Authorities Investigate A Vehicle That Was Blown Up With A Reactive Rifle Target In Readfield

The Maine Department of Public Safety says authorities are investigating a vehicle explosion in the Kennebec County town of Readfield.

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The State Fire Marshal's Office says Tannerite, an explosive usually used in rifle target practice, was the cause of the explosion at 846 Main Street on Sunday, September 27th. Multiple calls were made to first responders after the blast; the Readfield Fire Department was sent to the scene. Once they learned that an explosion had occurred,  the State Fire Marshal's Office was tagged in to take over.

"State Fire Marshal Investigators responded and investigated the circumstances surrounding the event, which turned out to be a group of individuals shooting at the Tannerite that had been placed in the vehicle...The State Fire Office reminds people that state law governing the use of Tannerite allows up to 5 pounds of mixed product to be used for sport/target shooting only. Tannerite cannot be used to explode any item other than the packaging it is mixed in."

In fact, the safety instructions on the Tannerite.com website clearly state that putting the explosive on metal is a direct hazard.

"Follow all of the safety instructions. Elevate the target on a cardboard box and make sure the area is free of debris and dry grasses.

Do not use the target in locations where a general fire order is in effect, and do not use the target near combustible materials. Never place these targets inside, on top of, or under any metal, rock, or other surfaces that could produce flying debris or sparks, or within another object. This is dangerous and constitutes improper use of the product."

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Authorities say the investigation is still active, and the Fire Marshal's Office is now working in conjunction with the local D.A.'s Office to work out what charges will come of all of this.