Sunday, January 25, 2015

TWO WOMEN WERE INJURED IN AN EXPLOSION WHILE TRESPASSING THE MCGREGOR BOMB RANGE IN NEW MEXICO AND COLLECTING SCRAP METAL



TWO WOMEN WERE INJURED IN AN EXPLOSION WHILE TRESPASSING THE MCGREGOR BOMB RANGE IN NEW MEXICO AND COLLECTING SCRAP METAL



Saturday, January 24, 2015

OTERO COUNTY, New Mexico – Two women were injured in an explosion while collecting scrap metal, according to Otero County Sheriff's Office. The incident happened at around 1 p.m. Saturday near McGregor Bomb Range. 

U.S. Highway 54 north and southbound lanes were closed for most of the day as the El Paso Police Department assisted Otero officials with the investigation. The closure lasted about six hours.

Lt. Col. Peters, Ft. Bliss public information officer, says the FBI requested an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to help investigate the scene.

It is believed that two men and two women were collecting scrap metal in a pick-up truck when they came in contact with an explosive that had not been activated yet. 
At around 7 p.m. Saturday, the Otero County Sheriff's Office said officials detonated another explosive found in the truck to secure the area. 

Otero County Undersheriff Daron Syling said the truck is still in-tact and the area is safe.
He said the public should be aware that there is a risk of encountering un-exploded ordnance in the McGregor Bomb Range, and trespassing is illegal.

Syling also said those involved in Saturday's explosion could face state or federal criminal charges for trespassing and stealing property.

"They don't know what they're picking up. They're liable to end up in the same type of situation. Obviously there's a huge risk to your safety," Syling said.

Syling said the women injured were transported to an El Paso hospital via helicopter, so the sheriff's office believes they could have serious injuries.

The sheriff's office said it will continue to work with the FBI and Fort Bliss to determine the risk of any other un-exploded material in the McGregor Bomb Range.