Sheriff’s office determines cause of loud ‘boom’
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BUSTI, N.Y. — A loud boom reported by people across Chautauqua County is no longer a mystery.
According to the Lakewood-Busti Police Department, 20-year-old Travis Switaj mixed together 18 pounds of tannerite, a powder-based explosive, and shot it with a rifle in a ravine on Lawson Road in the Town of Busti around 6:15 p.m. Sunday.
The shot caused a very large explosion.
Deputies say the product can be purchased at sporting goods stores, and is very dangerous when handled incorrectly.
Switaj says he's happy no one was hurt.
"I would never suggest anyone doing this or anything. I'm sorry for my actions," he said.
No one was hurt, and no charges are being filed