Suspected pipe bomb found, detonated at Montana fishing site

A suspected pipe bomb was discovered Saturday night at a popular fishing access site on Montana’s Jefferson River.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks stated in a news release that the Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site and nearby Sappington Bridge Fishing Access Site were closed after the suspected explosive device was found by Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue personnel.

The team was training on the Jefferson River when its members found what they suspected to be a pipe bomb submerged at the Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site.

Experts from Malmstrom Air Force Base safely detonated the device Sunday morning. Both access sites were subsequently reopened.

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“We’re grateful to Gallatin County and Malmstrom Air Force Base personnel for their collaborative response in this situation,” Fish, Wildlife & Parks warden Adam Pankratz stated in the news release. “Thanks to these efforts, we were able to safely reopen these sites to the public.

“This is also a good reminder to use caution and carefully inspect items we would normally think of as litter before picking them up.”

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation and asks those with information that might be helpful to call (406) 482-2100.

–Jefferson River image is generic