R.I. Beach Evacuated After An 'Energy Release' Injures Woman
NARRAGANSETT (CBS) – A Rhode Island beach has been evacuated after officials say an "energy release" of some kind injured a 50-year-old woman.
Salty Brine Beach in Narragansett, R.I., was evacuated around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday when an initial report of an explosion threw a woman from the beach onto the rocks of a nearby jetty.
She was conscious and alert when first responders arrived on scene.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management acting chief Kurt Blanchard says the woman was treated and assessed.
RIDEM says they do not know what caused the explosion.
The incident occurred above low tide in a damp area. Investigators removed sand from the blast area to look for clues.
"I'm not being told that there are concerns of terrorism or bombs per se," says Mouradjian of RIDEM. "So, exactly what it is...I can tell you something happened. We believe there had been a small (subsurface) explosion (that) literally erupted out of the sand."
Police are continuing to investigate the incident on Saturday afternoon and the beach remains closed.
ATF and State Police are leading the investigation.
No arrests have been made.
Late Saturday night, officials said they did not find any evidence of an explosive device. They did say numerous people said they heard a boom when a woman was thrown into the jetty Saturday morning.
Officers said there is no threat to public safety.
Officials say they anticipate the beach reopening on Sunday.