Orlando, Fla. – A device similar to a pipe bomb exploded in a trash can early today at a remote parking lot at Walt Disney World, authorities said.
No one was injured, and no serious damage was reported in what officials called “an isolated incident.”
Orange County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 12:30 a.m. call from Disney officials. An employee had heard a loud noise and saw white smoke coming from the can near the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district, Sheriff Kevin Beary said.
“We have recovered a very crude, homemade, low-level device,” Beary said. “Because of the time and location of the event, we do not believe this incident was designed to cause significant property damage or injury. We also believe this is an isolated incident.”
The sheriff said investigators were trying to determine what the device was made of but that “end caps” typical of pipe bombs were found.
Beary said federal authorities also have looked into the matter, but his office remained the lead agency – an indication that a widespread plot was not suspected.
Authorities were on high alert because of Saturday’s airport attack in Scotland and attempted car bombings in London, combined with America’s upcoming July Fourth holiday, Beary said.
Downtown Disney is modeled after the downtown of an American city, and no price is charged for admission. “We work closely with law enforcement to continue to offer a safe environment,” Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said.
