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Part of Hanscom Air Fore Base has been evacuated after security forces found “potentially explosive material” on a vehicle entering the base.
What Happened?
Security Forces were doing a routine vehicle inspection when around 9:00 A.M. when they detected something that caused response actions.
State Police said the screening revealed “potentially explosive material.” The bomb squad has responded to the scene to investigate along with the Air Wing. The FBI is also assisting in the investigation.
The base temporarily closed the Vandenberg Route 2A Gate and has evacuated nearby facilities.
Sky25 captured footage of a dog and an officer inspecting a truck near the gate of the base. The side of the truck had the logo “Big Foot Moving and Storage,” which is a local moving company. A representative for the company told Boston 25 News they were scheduled to go to Hanscom. Big Foot Moving and Storage CEO Mike Bavuso said the truck only has “household goods.” He said it is unclear what triggered the response, adding that the company is working with authorities.
State Police are setting up a perimeter extending 1,500 feet from the truck in all directions. They have also closed the exit from Route 2A.
Bedford Police said they are monitoring the situation but that there is “no danger to the community at this time.”
Hanscom Field airport, which has a different entrance, remains open. The State Fire Marshal’s office said an assessment of two suspicious vehicles is underway and that standard protocol is being followed. Sources told WBZ-TV’s Cheryl Fiandaca that the driver of the truck is still on scene.
No injuries have been reported at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
Hanscom Air Force Base
Hanscom AFB emerged as the Air Force’s center for development and acquisition of electronic systems in 1945.
It has played a large role in the high tech area in Cambridge, working with MIT and Harvard during times of war in the past.
More than 10,000 active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel, along with contractors and civilians are supported, sustained and employed by Hanscom.
There is privatized housing on the base, with a total of 731 homes. The base covers 848 acres and is headquarters to the 66th Air Base group. The base spans land in Concord, Bedford and Lincoln.
