Rooftop Explosion at MA Witch Museum Scares Tourists

Salem police and fire department responded to a loud boom that went off in the heart of the city's downtown on Saturday evening. 

Salem Police Capt. Conrad Prosniewski said firefighters climbed a ladder to get on the roof of the Witch History Museum, 197 Essex St., "right next to Hotel Salem." 

"They found a round circular black spot - it looks like someone tossed a firework on a roof," said Prosniewski around 6:30 p.m. "We are still talking to people." 

First responders converged on scene shortly after the explosion, which Prosniewski said "echoed like hell," just before 6 p.m. He said "no one was hurt," but they were concerned someone was still out there with firecrackers. 

The explosion scared the throngs of Saturday tourists walking on Central, Charter, Front and Essex streets and Derby Square. Some on Liberty Street reported hearing the explosion. 

Allen Harris, a vendor with Silver City Soap Work area, said he was 50 yards from the epicenter of the explosion. 

"It sounded horrendous," said Harris. "I was up out off my chair so fast. It sounded like an M80 went off." 

In the aftermath, he said, "People in the crowd were saying they saw stuff coming off the rooftop." 

Police are still investigating the incident. Anyone with information are encouraged contact the Salem Police Department at 978.744.1212. 

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