EXPLOSION ROCKS CLAY - Gag Order Issued By Sheriff

(08/09/2005)

Clay was rocked by a series of explosions Sunday at Eagle Bend near the northern end of the town of Clay, with one blast reportedly spraying what appeared to be contents of a bomb across the Elk River and striking one or more vehicles traveling down Rt. 16. Clay County Sheriff Randy Holcomb and his deputies appear to be in charge of the investigation, with the sheriff reportedly issuing a "gag order" regarding the incident. The local courthouse was buzzing with activity Monday night, as units from the State Fire Marshal's office have been arriving on the scene. The highway leading to the area across the Elk River was closed Sunday to all traffic. There are a few houses located in the large bottom where the blasts appear to have happened, not visible from the highway. The primitive access road cuts around a hillside near the Dundon Bridge. Authorities are reportedly looking for a suspect, with officers examining local buildings. Unconfirmed sources say the explosions are linked to a "bomb with bolts," but other speculation is linking the blasts to meth lab operation.P> One resident said they heard at least two loud explosions, but others may have occurred. The Clay County Sheriff's Department called for back-up, ambulances, fire departments and other specialty units throughout Sunday and Monday. Meanwhile, little information is available regarding the incident.

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