A package that exploded at Northeastern University, sending a male staffer, 45, to hospital with minor injuries to his hand was reportedly in a ‘Pelican case’ and contained a bizarre ‘manifesto’.
WBZ-TV News Anchor David Wade tweeted: ‘WBZ I-Team sources say the package that exploded at Northeastern University was in a ‘Pelican case’ and contained a manifesto railing against virtual reality and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.’
According to Northeastern University, the item that went off at 7:18 p.m. on Tuesday had been brought to the school and exploded when a staff member opened it.
The package was brought to the Leon Street building at about 7 o’clock on Tuesday night, and it exploded soon afterwards, according to investigators, who spoke to NBC Boston.
Three hours after the incident, shortly before 10 p.m., the Northeastern University Police Department tweeted that Holmes Hall was secured.
According to police, the employee, a 45-year-old man, was treated for a minor hand injury and released from the hospital.
Northeastern University said a package, which exploded at 7.18pm Tuesday night, had been delivered to campus and detonated when opened by a male staff member aged 45
Terrorism cannot be ruled out by authorities after a package exploded at the Boston University, leaving one person injured and taken to hospital
Northeastern University Police Department tweeted that Holmes Hall was secured three hours after the incident took place, just before 10pm
Harvard University say they are working with authorities to keep their campus safe
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology tweeted for people to report any suspicious activity
The Boston Police Department’s bomb squad say a search revealed a second similar package that was ultimately rendered safe.
The Boston Bomb Squad, Boston Police, Boston fire and Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the Leon Street incident, shortly after the package detonated, at about 7.20pm.
In a press conference to media Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she is taking the incident ‘very seriously.’
‘This city is home to everyone’s young people, from our littlest learners up to our college students and university staff,’ said Mayor Wu.
‘So we want to make sure we emphasize that this is of the utmost priority, the safety and well-being of all of our young people here.’
Holmes Hall was evacuated and a notification was sent to the Boston campus at 7.55pm urging people to avoid the area.
Shortly after 8.30 pm, the university notified Northeastern students that evening classes at the Behrakis Health Sciences Center, Shillman Hall, Ryder Hall, Kariotis Hall, Dockser Hall and West Village F are canceled due to the ongoing investigation.
Jacob Isaacs (pictured) who was in class in Holmes Hall when it was evacuated says there had been some confusion at the time
Isaacs added that they did not hear anything that sounded like an explosion before they saw first responders arrive
Investigations into the incident continues with Northeastern University Police Department asking people to ‘avoid the area’
Boston Police say that the explosion caused Holmes Hall on Leon Street to be evacuated
Other Universities in the area including The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard also voiced concern.
MIT tweeted: ‘MIT Alert: Explosion at Northeastern U. MIT Police are urging all MIT community to be cautious. Please report any suspicious packages.
Harvard University tweeted: ‘Harvard Alert: HUPD is aware of reports of a detonation of a suspicious package at Northeastern.
‘We are working with law enforcement and increasing patrols on Harvard campuses.
‘Out of abundance of caution we urge community members to report anything suspicious to 617-495-1212.’
A 7News reporter speaking to authorities on the ground said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are currently coordinating with Boston Police and Terrorism had not been ruled out.
‘FBI currently coordinating with Boston Police… Sources say too early to say whether this is related to terrorism or not,’ the tweet read.
The Boston Bomb Squad, Boston Police, Boston fire and Boston EMS responded to the Leon Street incident
Boston Emergency Medical Services tweeted reports of an explosion and said at least one person had been taken to hospital earlier in the night
Boston Police told NBC Boston that the explosion took place on campus at Holmes Hall on Leon Street and the building was evacuated.
Jacob Isaacs who was in class in Holmes Hall during its evacuation told 7News there was some confusion about what had happened when the incident took place.
‘We were in class and then we saw two policemen walk through the building and then as soon as we look out the window, we see a fire truck with the lights on blazing,’ said Issacs.
‘Our teacher is like ‘I gotta see what’s going on,’ and he sees that the fire truck is going and there’s a police car outside and as that happened, instantly the fire alarm starts going off.
Isaacs added that they did not hear anything that sounded like an explosion before they saw first responders arrive.
Investigations into the incident continues with Northeastern University Police Department asking people to ‘avoid the area.’
It is still unclear where the package came from as investigations into the matter continue.