Monday, April 18, 2011

Wichita Police are investigating whether three weekend explosions are related.

Police released additional information on an explosion in the 700 block of South Water, near Gander Mountain early Saturday. Police said the blast came from a homemade bomb with a fire extinguisher serving as the key component. Capt. Max Tenbrook said the extinguisher was connected to two one gallon jugs of black powder, fuel and was ignited by a fuse.

Capt. Tenbrook said the explosion shot flames 20 feet into the air and threw debris 500 feet. The blast could be heard several blocks away.

Police are asking for help identifying the person responsible for the explosive. They are specifically asking about anyone who may have been in the Old Town area late Friday or early Saturday carrying a fire extinguisher. People with information can call the Special Operations Bureau at (316) 268-4131.

Police are investigating two other chemical explosions from over the weekend that may be connected. Both were reported Saturday near homes, one in the 1000 block of North Amidon, and the other in the 100 block of South Montbella. A suspect has been identified in the Amidon incident, but no arrests have been made.