An explosion determined to be intentional occurred inside a building on Harvard University’s Medical Campus in Boston during the early hours of Saturday morning. Law enforcement officials have launched a multi-agency investigation into the incident, which resulted in no reported injuries.
The event took place at the Goldenson building on Longwood Avenue, prompting a significant police and fire department response. Investigators are currently seeking two unidentified individuals who were seen leaving the area shortly after the blast.
Key Takeaways
- An explosion was reported at 2:48 a.m. Saturday in the Goldenson building on Harvard's Medical Campus.
- The Boston Fire Department's arson unit has concluded the explosion was set intentionally.
- A Harvard University police officer observed two unidentified people fleeing the scene upon arrival.
- A sweep of the building found no additional devices, and no injuries were reported.
- A joint investigation involving local, state, and federal authorities is now underway.
Early Morning Alarm Triggers Response
The incident began at approximately 2:48 a.m. when a fire alarm was activated inside the Goldenson building, located at 220 Longwood Avenue. A Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) officer was dispatched to the scene to investigate the alarm.
Upon arriving, the officer noticed two individuals fleeing from the vicinity of the building. According to a university spokesperson, the officer attempted to stop the pair before proceeding into the building to address the source of the alarm.
Discovery on the Fourth Floor
Once inside, the officer ascended to the fourth floor, where the alarm had originated. It was there that the officer found evidence of an explosion. The area was secured, and additional emergency services were called to the scene.
The Boston Fire Department’s arson unit was dispatched to assess the situation. After a thorough examination of the site, investigators determined that the explosion was not accidental and had been caused deliberately. The nature of the device or materials used has not been disclosed pending further investigation.
The Goldenson Building
The C.P. Huntington, J. Collins Warren, and T. Dwight Bldgs., commonly referred to as the Goldenson building, is a central part of Harvard's Longwood Medical Area. It houses research labs and administrative offices, making security a key priority. The incident occurred at a time when the building was likely to have minimal occupancy.
A Multi-Agency Investigation Begins
Following the arson unit's assessment, the Boston Police Department conducted a comprehensive sweep of the entire Goldenson building. The purpose of the search was to ensure there were no other explosive devices or threats present. The sweep concluded without any further devices being found.
A university spokesperson confirmed that no one was injured as a result of the explosion. The damage was contained to the area on the fourth floor where the blast occurred.
The Harvard University Police Department is leading the investigation, working in close collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This level of cooperation is standard for incidents involving potential criminal acts on a major university campus.
Authorities have not released descriptions of the two individuals seen leaving the scene, but they are considered persons of interest in the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement is likely reviewing security footage from the campus and surrounding areas to identify them.
The university has assured the community that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of its campus. The investigation remains active and officials have not yet commented on a possible motive for the act.
