Most of the 32 cases of fireworks believed to have been stolen in transit have now been recovered thanks to a tip, officials said Saturday, although no arrests have been made in the case.
A senior law enforcement official said Friday 32 cases of commercial grade fireworks were reported missing and were believed to be stolen from a CSX train shipment that originated inChicago and ended in Detroit. The train went through Ohio, where officials believe the fireworks may have been stolen. The explosive material was discovered missing Thursday and was reported to authorities.
Officials said Saturday that 31 of the cases have now been recovered after investigators received a tip. One box was still believed to be missing.
The cases include 2.5 inch and 5 inch aerial commercial grade fireworks shells of the kind used in public fireworks displays. These commercial grade fireworks could be very dangerous in the wrong hands, the source said Friday.
ATF established a tip line out of its Detroit Field Division that is handling the case. The number for the tip line is (313) 202-3400.
There have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing, an ATF spokesperson said Saturday.
CSX said it was cooperating with the ATF.
“CSX reported the theft as soon as it was discovered, upon the train’s arrival in Detroit,” the company said in a statement Friday night. “Safety is CSX’s highest priority, and CSX is committed to continuing to work with ATF in its investigation of this incident.”
http://abcnews.go.com/US/fireworks-recovered-apparent-theft-train/story?id=38622353
I’ve shoulder fired 2″ and 3″ mortars from de-milled LAW tubes and AT4 but still far from “commercial” grade. 18″ mortars are more commercial size, as I understand it. Only know that because a few years back a local fireworks show had one that didn’t go off until the 19yr old pyrotechnic assistant put his head over top to look and see if it was still in there. It was but then discharged…pezzed the kid.
Are these “fireworks” the ones that were being pushed as “explosives” not long ago?
typical MSM