Vernon RCMP confirm ‘suspicious device’ was an actual bomb

A suspicious device found along the railway tracks in Vernon yesterday was a pipe bomb.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release the device that was spotted next to the railway tracks in the 4500 block of 31 Street contained explosive material.

The device was discovered June 14 at 3:30 p.m. and by 9:15 p.m. an RCMP Explosives Device Unit rendered the device safe while at the scene. The street was closed and nearby businesses evacuated.

"Once the device was rendered safe, an examination of the contents was completed which confirmed the presence of explosive material," Vernon RCMP Const  Chris Terleski said in a media release. "The device was believed to be viable and had the potential to cause serious injuries to anyone in the immediate vicinity had it been activated. We want to thank business owners, staff and the public for their patience and cooperation as we worked to safely resolve the situation. As well, we want to recognize the person who discovered the device for doing what we hope anyone would do; taking it seriously and immediately notifying police."

Earlier this week, another device was discovered in Justice Park, but police say there is no evidence to indicate the incidents are related, nor do they appear to be targeted.

The RCMP says both investigations are continuing.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.