Log In


Reset Password
LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Catty rocked by blasts

Three reported explosions in the early hours of May 7 reportedly shook houses and rattled windows in the southeast section of Catasauqua Borough.

Two windows at the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association headquarters, 8 Race St., were broken as a result of the blasts, which reportedly occurred 2:30 a.m. May 7.

When reached May 8, the Catasauqua police officer on duty declined to provide information as there was an active investigation into the matter.

Police Chief Douglas Kish reported May 10 the device was detonated around Lehigh and Race streets. He noted the officer on duty saw the first blast, which was the only one to occur in Catasauqua. Kish reported the other two happened outside the borough.

According to Kish, there were no injuries from the blast.

The source of the blasts has yet to be identified.

HCPA leader Janice Lathrop said she “thought it was a gas company explosion.” She and several HCPA members cleaned up the windows of the HCPA headquarters that were “blown out” by the blast.

Lathrop said she is utterly puzzled by the blast and inspected the HCPA grounds for any evidence of a blast on the property.

According to a May 10 post on the HCPA Facebook page, the blasts broke a transom over the front door and window glass at the Biery House.

“There is no evidence inside of anything being thrown through the glass, and the storm windows on the outside of the double sash windows next to the door that shattered are still intact,” the post stated. It continued to say repairs will be limited to replacing the broken panes of glass.

Catasauqua Borough Council President Vincent Smith said the police are collaborating with other agencies to investigate.

PRESS PHOTO BY BILL LEINER JR. Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association's Biery House, 8 Race St., has broken windows after a mysterious explosion that reportedly occurred 2:30 a.m. May 7.