Schaumburg police responded about 10:32 a.m. Wednesday to a report of a bottle of liquid found in a mail box in the 300 block of Langley Drive. Police arrived and discovered a bottle that was possible configured as a Drano bomb that did not detonate.
Firefighters responded to the scene to resolve the possible Drano bomb and dispose of the materials.
Traffic to Langley Drive was blocked at Creighton Lane at about 11:02 a.m.
Drano bombs involve the alkali chemical in Drano and tin foil (aluminum foil) which causes a chemical reaction that can rupture the bottle. The explosion can also spew chemical liquid that can cause second or third degree chemical burns. Any bottles found that are swollen or appear melted or seem suspicious in any way should be avoided. The explosive force can also cause physical trauma. It is best to call 9-1-1 when a suspicious bottle with liquid is discovered.
These homemade chemical bombs (HCBs) are also known as acid bombs, bottle bombs or MacGyver bombs, and are documented by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and have been documented (See CDC MMWR Homemade Chemical Bomb Events and Resulting Injuries — Selected States, January 1996–March 2003)
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