STORM2K

Explosive Device Shatters North End Window

With the Democratic Convention right around the corner, emergency responders got an early test Friday in Boston's North End when a small explosion in the Copp's Hill cemetery gave neighbors quite a scare.

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that the explosion occurred at about 8 a.m. in the graveyard near Snow Hill Street. It shattered a window in the Michael Angelo building, which provides housing for the elderly.


"It sounded like a bomb, a real bomb," said Theresa Delelalio, 92.


The blast frightened neighborhood residents, one of whom witnessed the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks.


"We saw the second plane hit, and honestly, when I came out here and I saw the bomb squad and everybody out here, it kind of brought back a bad memory to me. It's quite frightening when something like this happens," she said.


No one was injured, but Boston Police Department's bomb squad and federal investigators were called to the scene.


"With things going on, the convention and what have you, you have to be concerned. I mean, is it going to be like this all week?" resident Michael Magner said. "You're always nervous when something like this happens."


Police said that the explosion was most likely kids throwing firecrackers that could have been stuffed in a bottle.


"People have to understand that since 9/11, the world has changed. This isn't funny. If it was kids putting firecrackers in a bottle for a joke -- it is not a joke," resident Susan Weinstein said.


North End residents are angry about the prank and they said they would like to see someone arrested for it.