`Zambelli fireworks blast is ruled deliberate`

By Julie Hannon
Herald Staff Writer

The explosion that destroyed a fireworks bunker in Union Township more than a month ago was deliberate, officials said Thursday.

A $3,000 reward is being offered by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Pittsburgh, to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the blast that injured four people and caused $500,000 damage to area homes and businesses.

The cement block building, owned by Zambelli Internationale Fireworks Co. and located on English Avenue in Union Township _ just five miles west of downtown New Castle _ was leveled just before 10 p.m. Sept. 18 by an explosion felt around Lawrence County.

``There was a break-in of the storage bunker before the explosion,'' said Dan Boeh, resident agent in charge with the federal BATF.

``We did an initial bomb or explosion scene search like we did at the Trade Center, but on a smaller scale, of course, and looked at different leads for direction,'' Boeh said.

He said that preliminary lab reports from Washington, D.C., confirmed their suspicions that it was a malicious act.

``It was a deliberate explosion. The investigation is still active and we are continuing to interview a number of people,'' he said.

While they are making progress and gathering new information, Boeh said there are no definite suspects.

``Like I said, there are a number of people we're talking to, none of which are necessarily suspects.''

The bunker housed components used in manufacturing fireworks and a number of partial fireworks owned by Zambelli.

George Zambelli, owner of the site, said Thursday he had his suspicions about the blast since it happened.

``Yes, in a way, I thought it was suspicious because of what all was involved. You know it's their decision (BATF and state police) and I know nothing. I didn't call them up asking questions,'' Zambelli said.

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Updated Oct. 24, 1997
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