Device placed under lawn tractor leads to explosion in Westmoreland County, state police say

SALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police tape at the top of a driveway off of Route 22 in Salem is still visible Wednesday after state troopers were called Sunday evening to investigate an apparent explosion.

Video sent to Channel 11 showed a heavy police presence Sunday night outside of a home neighbors call the “Old Johnson Farm.”

“Whatever the explosion was, it was pretty big,” one neighbor told Channel 11’s Andrew Havranek over the phone. That neighbor wished to remain anonymous, but described what he heard.

“[The] closest thing I can say it sounded like was a like when a transformer explodes,” he said. “It was a pretty loud and deep explosion.”

State police said the explosion was from a device placed under a tractor at the home.

“At some point in time, I think I’ll be able to give you a better description of it,” Trooper Steve Limani said. “Right now, we’re working alongside the ATF and the FBI. Obviously, they probably have a better skill set when it comes to devices, so we’re leaning into them for their expertise.”

There have been no arrests yet in the investigation, but troopers believe this was an isolated incident.

“We do not feel that there is any imminent danger to the public when it comes to if you have a riding tractor and you want to go cut your grass, things of that nature, conducting your everyday business,” Limani said.

Other law enforcement sources tell 11 Investigates’ Rick Earle the intended victim was the suspect’s former landlord, who had previously evicted him.

Troopers would not comment that or on any potential suspects or the condition of the victim, only saying the victim did not die from their injuries.

“I know the community, they want it and maybe to a certain extent they deserve it, however, by providing it there’s a chance I could hurt the investigation and the last thing I ever want to do is put people in jeopardy or create some kind of mistake on my end that prevented somebody from being arrested that did a horrific act,” Limani said.

If you have any information on the explosion that you think could help state police in their investigation and search, you’re asked to give them a call.

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