BCSO: 5 incidents of bottle bombs turn up in Beaufort - WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports

Plastic bottle bombs discovered in Beaufort

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BEAUFORT, SC (WTOC) -

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating reports of several "plastic bottle bombs" at several Beaufort homes over the last week. 

Five incidents have been confirmed at homes on Ratel Drive, Roosevelt Boulevard, Satilla Drive and Cherry Boulevard, according to the BCSO. 

Each time, a caller reported hearing a loud explosion, which was initially thought to be a gunshot, outside their homes, according to the BCSO. The callers then found plastic bottles filled with a grayish-color liquid laying in their yards, either fully exploded or expanded intact.

Bottle bombs, also known as "mailbox bombs," "acid bombs," "Drano bombs," "works bombs," "pressure bombs," and "MacGyver bombs" are homemade explosives made with chemicals often found in homes, garages and pools. 

These explosive devices appear to be discarded plastic bottles, that someone might consider item picking up. But the chemical reaction going on inside the bottles causes a buildup of extremely volatile gases that will detonate with only the slightest of movement. The amount of force that is generated when a device of this nature detonates is powerful enough to result in severed fingers and limbs, second- and third-degree chemical burns, respiratory injury, blindness and hearing loss and even death.

The sheriff's office is urging residents to be watchful and cautious of any plastic or glass bottles found. Look for bottles that may appear to be slightly swollen or bulging or show signs of melting.

Bottles with explosive potential:

 

  • Have a small amount of liquid in them.
  • Typically contain pieces of aluminum foil or other small metal objects such as nails or ball bearings that become dangerous shrapnel upon explosion.
  • Devices should not be moved or handled.

 

If anyone finds such a device: immediately isolate the area, stay 200 feet back and call authorities.

Constructing, distributing, and/or detonating bottle bomb devices can lead to felony charges.

Stay anonymous and earn a reward. Report a crime by calling CrimeStoppers at 1.888.CRIME.SC (274-6372) or text the word TIPSC with a message to CRIMES (274637).

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