Several of the chemical bombs have been found throughout the city over the past two weeks, according to the fire department
SPRINGFIELD - The city Arson and Bomb Squad is investigating the discovery of three "MacGyver bombs," or improvised explosives made of chemicals sealed inside a plastic soda bottle, that were found on Dwight Road in the city's Forest Park neighborhood, a fire official said.
Springfield Fire Department spokesman Dennis Leger said the three of the devices were spotted near 116 Dwight Road by a resident at about 5 p.m. He initially took them for trash but when one of the bottles exploded, he called the Fire Department, Leger said.
No one was injured.
Arson investigators were able to retrieve two of the devices and prevent them from detonating, he said.
Wednesday's discovery is apparently the latest in a string of such incidents, Leger said. Over the last 10 days, officials have discovered several such chemical bombs throughout the city, he said.
The devices are made by sealing caustic chemicals inside a liter bottle, causing the pressure inside the bottle to build up and eventually rupture. He would not say what chemicals were used or what concentration.
The name 'Macgyver Bomb' refers to the late 1980s, early 1990s television show "MacGyver," which featured a main character who improvised tools, weapons and even explosives out of ordinary objects.
Leger said the Arson Squad is taking it very seriously. If those responsible are arrested, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Leger said.