UPDATE - June 15: The underground cable belonged to the Coast Guard and was de-energeized in 2007. Over the weekend the cable was cut into pieces and removed.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Monday afternoon the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced that investigators looking into the explosion at Narragansett's Salty Brine Beach may have been caused by an underground cable.
The explosion occurred Saturday morning and sent Connecticut resident Kathleen Danise slamming into a jetty several feet from where she was sitting.
“The last thing I remember was reading my book, and we watched a gentleman get ready to go scuba diving,” Danise said. “We've been vacationing there for 30 years, and that was my favorite location.”
A release said crews are working with National Grid to inspect and underground cable. They said there does not appear to be any evidence of a malicious attack or use of a device of any kind.
“Members of the Bomb Squad searched the immediate area of the incident for any evidence of explosive materials. This search was conducted by screening the sand in the area, using explosive K-9s to search the area, as well as using chemical swipes that detect explosive residue. All of this testing was negative,” Rhode Island State Fire Marshal John Chartier said.
The beach will remain open during the investigation, but officials said there is no reason to be concerned.
“The public’s safety remains our top priority. We are working with the State Fire Marshal and State Police to conclude this investigation as soon as possible,” DEM Director Janet Coit said. “We appreciate the cooperation among the experts, and are continuing to work with them to determine the cause of this incident. We also appreciate the cooperation we received from the people enjoying the beach on Saturday. Their efforts allowed first responders to quickly get to work.”
Cox Media Group
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