Police investigate explosion at Wonthaggi Secondary College

A teenage boy has been charged over an explosion at Wonthaggi Secondary College after police tracked him down through social media.

A teenager has been charged over an explosion at Wonthaggi Secondary College on Friday.

The 18-year-old man allegedly let off an explosive device at the school in McKenzie St about 12.15am on October 22.

The teen was arrested and charged with numerous offences relating to explosives following a raid at a South Dudley property.

He was bailed to appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court early next year.

It comes after bomb squad detectives and sniffer dogs scoured the area.

Detective Senior Constable Darren Lomax told The Bass Coast News it was unclear what caused the explosion but parts of a metal container were found on the sports oval at the back of the school.

“We are waiting for an arson chemist who will process the scene and get all the exhibits,” he said.

Detective Lomax said police obtained a search warrant for the alleged offender after they received a tip off on social media.

“Information came through by electronic means,” he said.

Detective Lomax said the alleged offender wasn’t associated with the school.

Nicole Wentworth said she was scared when she heard the explosion at midnight on Friday.

“It was so loud,” she said.

“There’s been an explosion in that area before but they were mild compared to Friday.”

The Wonthaggi resident captured CCTV footage of it which showed a bright light erupting into the air, followed by a loud bang lasting around three seconds.

Other residents said they were terrified.

“It shook my whole house,” one woman on social media said.

“My dog started barking, it was very scary.”

Wonthaggi Secondary College were contacted for comment.

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