Investigators Blow Up Additional Explosives Discovered at Scrap Plant

Detonation at Raleigh Metals Recycling

A team from Fort Bragg detonated additional explosives found at a Raleigh recycling plant Tuesday night after an explosion sent two workers to the hospital.

Witnesses said they heard two explosions and saw some smoke at Raleigh Metals Recycling, at 2310 Garner Road, at about 11 a.m.

"I heard something like a big explosion and the shaking of the building," witness Glendora Alston said.

Plant owner Greg Brown said the force of the explosion knocked one worker over, and a second worker complained of ringing in his ears. Isai Bravo Santiago, 33, and Adrian Bravo, 27, were taken to WakeMed for treatment. Santiago was released a short time later and Bravo was listed in good condition Tuesday night.

Police said it was a military device that exploded in the recycling process and put a hole in the roof.

"A shell, projectile, something like that," said Jim Sughrue, spokesman for the Raleigh Police Department.

Fort Bragg investigators determined there was more than one explosive, and decided it was best to blow them up Tuesday night. A phone-tree notified people living within a 1 mile radius.

"Obviously that is something that is done with a great deal of care and preparation," Sughrue said.

As a precaution, police evacuated the Biltmore Court Apartments across the street from the scrap plant. One person was taken to a motel. The remaining residents who left the area went to stay with family or friends, Sughrue said.

Brown, who bought Raleigh Metals Recycling last August, said ammunition is not supposed to be accepted for recycling. He said he wasn't sure how the devices got into the mix.

Agents with the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were contacted while State Department of Labor investigators were reviewing the incident.



0 Comments


Golo

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

View Comments View Comments

Ask Anything
  1. Greg Fishel
    10 questions with Greg Fishel

    WRAL's chief meteorologist answers your questions about severe weather, snow and why he loves his job.

  2. WRAL.com moderator
    10 questions with a WRAL.com moderator

    A WRAL.com moderator answers your questions about comments on stories, abuse reports and more.

  3. Bryan Beatty
    10 questions with N.C. Secretary of Crime Control & Public Safety

    Bryan Beatty answers your questions about homeland security, gang prevention and illegal immigrants.

Multimedia
  1. Big Yellow Moutnain
    Big Yellow Mountain Hike slideshow

    Fall colors are peaking now in the higher elevations. Arthur Griffith of the Nature Conservancy led a small group of hikers up to the bald on Big…

  2. WV Grist Mill
    Fall Colors

    See photos of fall color.

  3. Sgt. Christina E. Smith 9/30 stabbing death
    Christina Smith stabbing death case

    Sgt. Christina Smith was stabbed to death on Sept. 30 while walking with her husband near their house.

  4. WRAL Election 2008 logo
    Watch 2008 debates

    N.C. voters have two tough choices to make at leadership positions. Play back the debate video from races from president to lt. governor and see…

  5. Offshore drilling, offshore oil rig
    Voters talk about big issues of 2008

    Energy, the economy, health care and the war in Iraq resonate most with voters in the upcoming presidential election.