DETROIT, MI – A CSX freight train rolled into Detroit earlier this week minus about 32 cases of explosives, and federal authorities say they’re concerned they may have fallen into the wrong hands.
Federal authorities are searching for the approximately500 pounds of commercial grade explosives in at least three states. The theft was reported two days ago, but wasn’t made public, CBS reported Friday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was expected to issue an advisory and offer a reward in the coming days, CBS said.
The train left Chicago with the explosives intact and traveled through Ohio before arriving in Detroit, where the theft of half of the cargo was discovered.
Donald Dawkins, a spokesman for the Detroit Field Division of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, told the Detroit Free Press the explosives — shells between 2½ and 5 inches long — are similar to aerial fireworks, and emphasized “there isnothing to indicate any acts of terrorism at this time.”



But authorities are treating the investigation seriously, Dawkins said.
The ATF’s Detroit Field Division is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Detroit Police Department and the CSX railroad.
Dawkins said the investigation so far is leading investigators to believe the theft likely occurred in Detroit.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call ATF's Detroit offices at (313) 202-3400.