Exploding porta-potty draws state agencies to lakewood

Exploding Porta-potty Draws State Agencies to Lakewood

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1 min read
May 6, 2026

An exploding portable toilet in Lakewood led to a police and fire department response that included state agencies Saturday night, authorities said.

The explosion was reported around 9:30 p.m. at a construction site near Clinton Avenue and Holden Square. Emergency crews from the Lakewood Police Department and local fire officials responded to secure the area following the blast.

Because of concerns about a possible explosive device, the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit was called to assist in the investigation. Officers also deployed an explosive detection dog to search the site and surrounding area for additional threats.

Investigators later determined there were no secondary devices found at the scene.

Police said the incident is being investigated as an act of criminal mischief. No injuries were reported, and authorities have not released information about possible suspects or what may have caused the explosion.

At this point, police have not determined whether the incident as a bomb or whether it was caused by contained methane gas by the existing ‘bombs’ left in the toilet.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lakewood Police Department at 732-363-0200.

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