BANFF – Tuesday morning (Feb. 26) started with a bang in Banff after Parks Canada employees found a detonated improvised explosive device (IED) in a public garbage bin.
"Parks employees were emptying their bins as part of their normal routine and noticed the damage and found the detonated device in the bin," Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr explained.
Located in Carrot Creek in Banff National Park, Banff RCMP ended up retrieving the homemade device, commonly referred to as a pipe bomb for further investigation.
"It was fashioned out of what appears to be some form of iron pipe, commonly available in your hardware stores," Staff Sgt. Buxton-Carr said.
RCMP officers said it is too early to know what the intent of the suspect was.
"We don't know if there was any reason a Parks Canada garbage [bin] was targeted – there was nothing accompanying the device to suggest there was any intent against Parks Canada, or to promote a cause," Buxton-Carr explained.
No other homemade devices were found in the park, but RCMP is reminding the public to be vigilant and safe if they encounter an IEDs.
"I really want to be sure that people who find such devices are aware of potential dangers of unexpected detonation. The best thing they can do is back away a distance, be present to warn other people not to approach and to give us a call immediately," Buxton-Carr said.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 800-222-8477.
