Explosive device set on Virginia tracks

A small explosive device was set off Thursday on train tracks near James Madison University, but there were no reports of injuries.

The explosion damaged the tracks but was not related to terrorism, said Rich Marianos of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The track is used primarily as a freight line. Rail officials could not immediately be reached to say how the explosion would affect rail traffic.

A spokesman at James Madison said no precautions were initiated on the campus of 18,500 as a result of the explosion.

“There was nothing provided to us that caused any alarm,” said Don Egle.

Residents reported hearing a boom about 6:30 a.m.

The ATF has several agents and an explosives expert at the scene attempting to determine the type of explosive device, Marianos said.

-- Associated Press