WPRO News

DEM is investigating an unusual incident at Salty Brine State Beach which ended up sending a woman to South County Hospital.

Beach goers reported an explosion under the sand was responsible for the injury, but  DEM administrators characterized it as an “energy transfer”.

“We have no evidence or indication there was a device. This could be natural, it could be man made, at this point it’s under investigation”, said Kurt Blanchard, Acting DEM Enforcement Chief.

The incident resulted in the closure of a section of beach near the Galilee breakwater. DEM said the beach would re-open Sunday.

The incident, which occurred shortly after 11 Saturday morning stunned beach goers, who were enjoying a beautiful day before the blast.

“It was scary. Everybody was yelling, everyone was freaking out”, said Nick Carlisle of North Attleboro.

Thomas Heuer, a former paramedic from Lunenberg, Mass, said he ran to the assistance of the unidentified female victim.

“She was doing good, she was answering questions”, said Heuer.

DEM said her injuries do not appear life threatening.

No one with DEM could recall a similar incident.

Investigators completed the investigation Sunday morning and said the public was not in danger.