Packages explode at two US state offices: Report

WASHINGTON: Two packages have exploded in Maryland state government buildings, but no one was injured, local radio WTOP reported Thursday.

A government official told the station one package was at an official building in the capital city of Annapolis and another was at a Department of Transportation building in a different part of the eastern US state.

The official told WTOP that no one was hurt in either incident, but that the packages flared up when opened.

State agencies have stopped all mail delivery until an investigation is complete.AFP

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ANNAPOLIS: A Maryland police spokesman says no one has been seriously injured by two packages that produced smoke and odors when they were opened at two separate state buildings.

State officials initially said the packages exploded, but now say there were no blasts.

Spokesman Greg Shipley says mailrooms at state offices across Maryland are being quarantined until it is determined if any other packages have been sent.

One package was opened Thursday afternoon at the Jeffrey Building on Francis Street in downtown Annapolis and another at the Maryland Department of Transportation building in Hanover. The two cities are about 20 miles (30 kilometers) apart.

A Homeland Security Department official says the department is aware of the incidents and is monitoring them. Maryland authorities and the FBI are responding. AP