OOPS: Fake bomb from training exercise mistaken for real bomb, Kent streets and businesses closed for hours

KCPQ-TV



KENT, Wash –Authorities confirm to Q13FOX News a suspicious bag that sparked the evacuation of a Metro bus Monday morning in Kent turned out to be something left over from a bomb response training exercise.

DB Gates with King County Sheriff’s Office said the bus was at SE 240th and 104 SE in Kent just before 8:00 a.m. when the bag was found and reported by a passenger.

Roads in the area were closed for three hours as the KCSO bomb squad worked to clear and secure the scene.

Gates said the fake device was actually made to look like a real pipe bomb.  She said some members of the bomb squad on the scene began putting the pieces together and realized the bus they were dealing with was one of the same ones that had been used in the training last week.

However, since they couldn't be 100% sure they had to follow the bomb disposal guidelines to ensure it wasn't an actual bomb.

Gates said it appears they must not have double checked that all the fake devices were off the bus before putting it back in service.

The King County Sheriff's Office later apologized for the incident.



Metro spokesman Jeff Switzer said the bus was on route 161 which is a commuter route.  It started at Lake Meridian Park and Ride and was destined for downtown Seattle.