Explosion in residential Oliver under investigation

OLIVER – RCMP are investigating the apparent detonation of an explosive device that happened in a residential area of Oliver overnight Sunday.

It appears the device was placed under an unoccupied vehicle parked behind a home in the 600 block of Earl Crescent and exploded at about 2 a.m. Aug. 11.

At about 10:40 a.m. Aug. 12 Mounties were told about the explosion by an area resident who came into the detachment with a piece of metal she found in her garage. It seems the object was projected throught the alley side of her garage with enough velocity to end up inside.

Investigators went to the scene and noticed a vehicle parked in the rear driveway sustained significant damage to the two rear wheels and undercarriage. As well, the cement driveway was scorched and showed surface damage from the explosion. Fragments of rubber and pieces of metal as well as other materials were found in the area.

A second garage on the same side of the alley was damaged by a piece of metal travelling with enough velocity to enter and exit the other side. 

"The damage appears to be consistent with an explosion of some significance going off under the vehicle," spokesperson for B.C. RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen says. "It does not appear that any local residents were injured in the explosion."

Investigators are working with the B.C. RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit. The damaged vehicle has been taken for further examination. 

A motive for the explosion, or information about who may be responsible has not been determined at this stage of the investigation, Thiessen says.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Oliver RCMP at 250-498-3422 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.solvecrime.ca.