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Packages explode in Maryland buildings

06 January 2011 21:55 (UTC +04:00)

Authorities are quickly responding to devices discovered at a state House office building in Annapolis, Maryland, and at the Maryland Department of Transportation headquarters in Hanover, said Philip McGowan, a spokesman for Annapolis Mayor Joshua Cohen.

WTOP radio -- Washingtonâ€™s only all-news radio -- reported that two packages "gave off a small explosion or flare-up when they were opened" at the buildings. One package was at the Jeffrey Building on Francis Street in Annapolis, and another was at the Department of Transportation building in Hanover.

The explosions at the two Maryland state government offices left one person with minor injuries.

The Jeffrey Building houses the state Homeland Security office, the Secretary of State and Veterans Affairs offices and some divisions of the governorâ€™s office, according to state property managers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the state bomb team are also dashing to the buildings, McGowan said.