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Box of dynamite prompts evacuation in Park City

Posted at 11:24 AM, Mar 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-26 19:57:46-04

PARK CITY, Utah — A construction crew found an old box of dynamite in a Park City home Monday morning, prompting officials to evacuate nearby homes.

Capt. Phil Kirk of the Park City Fire Department said the dynamite was discovered in a home on the 900 block of Empire Ave. and had been left behind by former occupants.

Kirk said police and fire officials evacuated about 10 homes on each side of the home where the dynamite was discovered.

A bomb squad was dispatched to the scene and has removed the dynamite.

According to a representative for Park City, the dynamite appears to be from the mining era, and it was found in the foundation area of a home under construction.

John Whiteley and his construction crew found the box of old dynamite.

“We were playing with it a little bit. Then we called the police. They assured it that it wasn’t quite safe,” he said.

Whiteley says he’ll add this unique find to his list.

“I’ve found skulls, WWI skull. I found safes, I’ve found tons of bottles. Stuff you find in old towns. I do a lot of historical excavating in these old towns, but nothing like this,” he said.

Lacey Poulton lived in the historic home for five years with her three young sons. They just moved out in September.

“My three boys were really excited when they started digging it up hoping they’d find like a box of treasure or something,” Poulton said. “I don’t think they ever thought it would be some dynamite.”

Residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

The Park City Library provided shelter for those evacuated.