Medway First Responders Deal with Explosive Items Found in Home.

Above, a railroad torpedo.

On Monday, according to a press release issues by Fire Chief Michael Fasolino," the Medway Fire Department and Medway Police Department responded to a local residence to investigate a report of a potential hazard. Upon arrival, crews discovered several commercial-grade explosive materials believed to be used in railroad operations.

"The homeowner, who retired from the railroad and is a collector of historic railroad items, had retained the materials as part of that collection. Out of an abundance of caution, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad were notified and responded to the scene. The Bomb Squad safely removed the materials, transported them to a secure location, and conducted a controlled detonation.

"Thanks to the quick and coordinated response of all agencies involved – including Medway Fire, Medway police, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the State Police Bomb Squad – the situation was handled safely and efficiently.

"The hazard has been fully mitigated, and there is no threat to the public.

"We want to thank your public safety partners for their professionalism and teamwork in keeping our community safe."

Prepared by:

Chief Michael Fasolino, Medway Fire Department

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One of the few kinds of explosive devices used in railroad operation is a railroad torpedo or railroad detonator. Invented in the 19th century, in an emergency such as something blocking the track ahead, they are attached to a track at a distance to warn approaching trains to stop immediately. When a train's wheel compresses a torpedo, providing an opportunity to avoid an accident. They are less used today but prior to the development of electrical signals and two-way radios, they were indispensable.

A spokesperson for the Fire Marshal's office confirmed that nature of the device(s) and noted, "Calls like this come in from time to time. They usually involve family members cleaning out a veteran’s belongings after they pass away and finding old military ordnance. Railroad torpedoes are less common but not unheard of. The last one I remember was still attached to a length of track being used as a doorstop!"