Traffic around the Salem United Church of Christ polling place in Catasauqua came to an abrupt stop Tuesday after reports of a small explosion and a possible explosive device nearby. Officials said no one was hurt and the church stayed open for voting during Pennsylvania's primary, although entrances were rerouted to cut down on public exposure. The shutdown centered on 3rd and Walnut streets and also affected a nearby funeral home.
Who responded
Federal, state and local agencies moved in as crews secured the scene and swept the area for any additional hazards. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was called in alongside the Allentown Fire Department and the Pennsylvania State Police, according to CBS Philadelphia.
What investigators say
Pennsylvania State Police told NBC10 that investigators believe an “unknown explosive device” was thrown from a moving vehicle and detonated in the 600 block of Third Street. Crews were initially dispatched at about 9:12 a.m., and officials said there was no immediate description of the vehicle involved and no injuries had been reported. Canine teams and bomb technicians were among the units working the scene as police stretched tape around the block.
On-the-ground reporting
Trooper Nathan Branosky described “some sort of explosion” in a morning briefing, and reporters saw officers enter a home on the block while search and sweep operations continued, 6abc reported. The Catasauqua Fire Department also advised voters to use entrances from Fourth Street to access the polling site, according to the station’s account of a department post.
Impact on voting
Officials said the Salem UCC polling location remained open for the primary, but voters were asked to approach the site from Fourth Street to avoid the taped-off area, NBC10 reported. Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said local, state and federal law enforcement are monitoring the scene for community safety and compliance with election law, according to CBS Philadelphia.
What happens next
The investigation remains active, and authorities urged people to stay clear of the immediate area while forensic and explosive ordnance checks continue. News outlets say they will update coverage as officials release more information and any potential descriptions or arrests become available. This is a developing story.
