Pacotes-bomba explodem em edifícios públicos próximos a Washington

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06 de janeiro de 2011 • 18h02

Dois edifícios públicos no estado americano de Maryland, ao lado de Washington DC, registraram explosões nesta quinta-feira, aparentemente provocadas por pacotes que havia dentro deles, informa a imprensa local.

Segundo as informações, uma das explosões foi registrada na sede da Assembleia Legislativa estadual, em Annapolis (capital de Maryland), enquanto a segunda aconteceu em um edifício do Departamento de Transportes na cidade de Hannover.

Por enquanto não há registros de vítimas, mas vários meios de comunicação falam sobre até sete pessoas levemente feridas nos incidentes, que provocaram uma grande mobilização da Polícia e do esquadrão antibombas.

A primeira explosão ocorreu por volta do meio-dia pelo horário local (15h de Brasília), quando um dos funcionários da Assembleia estadual estava manipulando ou transportando um pacote que acabou detonando, o que lhe causou queimaduras nas mãos.

O segundo incidente ocorreu no mesmo horário em Hannover, em um edifício que abriga o Departamento de Transportes de Maryland, onde até seis pessoas podem ter se ferido.

As autoridades ordenaram a evacuação dos dois edifícios e a suspensão do serviço de correio até que haja mais informações dos ocorridos.

Small explosions at Maryland state offices injure 1

By the CNN Wire Staff

January 6, 2011 -- Updated 2008 GMT (0408 HKT)

Authorities responded to a device at the Harry R. Hughes Department of Transportation Building near Hanover.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• One person reported to have minor injuries in mailroom
• Police investigate devices found at state office buildings
• Report: Two packages in buildings

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Read more about the story from CNN affiliates WTOP and WBAL.

(CNN) -- Small explosions at two Maryland state government office buildings left one person with minor injuries Thursday, a Maryland state government official with knowledge of the situation told CNN.

Both buildings were evacuated.

Authorities responded to devices found in the mailroom of a state House office building in Annapolis, Maryland, and at the Maryland Department of Transportation headquarters near Hanover, Maryland, said Philip McGowan, a spokesman for Annapolis Mayor Joshua Cohen.

A government source who spoke on background said the device in the Jeffrey Building on Francis Street in Annapolis "flashed" with a little bit of fire. The package emitted a sulfur smell. The employee was "slightly injured," the source said.

Security precautions were being taken in state buildings. Reports of the incidents came in "not simultaneously, but close," said the government source.

CNN affiliate WTOP reported that two packages "gave off a small explosion or flare-up when they were opened at the Jeffrey Building and at the Department of Transportation building. Hanover is southwest of Baltimore.

The Jeffrey Building in Annapolis houses the state Homeland Security office, the Secretary of State and Veterans Affairs offices and some divisions of the governor's office, according to state property managers.

State House Speaker Michael E. Busch said mail service has been suspended in the legislative complex.

"While the investigation is ongoing, it appears that two incendiary devices were transported through State government mail rooms," Busch wrote in a statement. "We would encourage you to use reasonable caution in handling any packages that come to your office for the time being, and not open any mail until we have more complete information."

The Annapolis police bomb squad and firefighters are responding, McGowan told CNN.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the state bomb squad are also rushing to the buildings, he said.

A Department of Homeland Security official said the department is closely monitoring the situation and is working with law enforcement agencies. Maryland State Police are taking the lead in the investigation.

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