Maine authorities investigate vehicle destroyed by explosives in Readfield

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an explosion that destroyed a vehicle in Readfield on September 27. Authorities determined the blast was not an accident, concluding that a group of individuals had been shooting at Tannerite that had been placed inside the vehicle.

Firefighters from the Readfield Fire Department responded to the scene at 846 Main Street. Investigators are currently working with the Kennebec County District Attorney’s Office to decide if criminal charges will be filed.

State officials noted that Maine law restricts the use of Tannerite to sport and target shooting, limiting use to five pounds of mixed product and prohibiting its use to explode anything other than its original packaging.