Explosion near Middletown felt across northern Delaware

A blast that was heard throughout the northern part of Delaware on Sunday afternoon was the result of an exploding rifle target that destroyed a nearby abandoned car near Middletown, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The explosion was reported shortly before noon in a farm field several hundred yards away from the main roadway in the 4700 block of Summit Bridge Road, officials said. There have been no reported injuries. 

Before the explosion, several people gathered in the field to target practice with firearms until an explosive mixture, known as a “binary exploding rifle target,” was placed next to the abandoned vehicle. A long-range rifle detonated the target leading to the vehicle being destroyed and fragments being scattered across almost 3 acres of farmland, officials said. 

The explosion sent shockwaves through social media as residents reported hearing a loud boom as far as Newark and Bear. Numerous commenters also reported their houses shaking due to the explosion. 

“Felt it in Bear only lasted a few seconds,” one commenter wrote. 

“Shook our house in Newark near people plaza,” another person posted. 

Investigators canvassed the area to see if any property had been damaged as a result of the “misuse” of the target, officials said. The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit also assisted with destroying materials. 

The investigation is ongoing. No further details were immediately available. 

Contact the reporter at jcastaneda1@delawareonline.com or connect with him on Twitter @joseicastaneda.