Wareham Week is reporting that Mark Halpin, a 50-year-old resident of Wareham, has been arrested following a chemical explosion at his home on Aunt Maryville Lane.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, October 3rd, prompting officials to remain at the scene for over 10 hours conducting an investigation. Aunt Maryville Lane is a quiet, dead-end road situated off Route 28 in West Wareham, which is home to about seven residences and is not far from Interstate 495.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Halpin’s home and the surrounding area showed no visible damage from the outside. Bobby Grady, editor of Wareham Week, visited the neighborhood where many residents reported they were unfamiliar with Halpin. One lifelong local commented that Halpin “didn’t bother anyone.”
Halpin faces charges for possessing explosive devices, along with the materials necessary for their creation. He is currently being held on $15,000 bail and is awaiting his arraignment next week; further charges may be pursued.
Responding to the explosion on Aunt Maryville Lane were the Wareham Fire Department, Wareham Emergency Medical Services, Wareham Police Department, State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, various State Police resources, and Department of Fire Services Hazmat technicians.
As noted by the State Department of Fire Services, Halpin was identified at the scene and transported to a local hospital for medical attention. After an initial release, he returned for further treatment due to non-life-threatening injuries. Subsequently, he was taken into custody by State Police.
To ensure public safety, the Wareham Fire Department, State Police bomb technicians and fire investigators, Department of Fire Services Joint Hazard Incident Response Team, and FBI bomb specialists secured the site, working throughout the night to safely remove a significant amount of “energetic material.” This substance, which can release chemical energy explosively, was stored in Halpin’s residence and a nearby shed. Additionally, a Department of Fire Services Rehab unit was deployed to ensure the health and safety of first responders.
Samples of the energetic materials have been retained for testing and will be sent to the State Police Crime Lab, while the rest, which posed an explosive hazard, was securely transported to a remote location for safe disposal.
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