Meth lab chemicals spark explosion in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) - Columbus police are blaming an illegal meth making operation ffor an explosion inside a pickup truck that closed a neighborhood street for hours Monday night.

24-Hour News 8 news partner The Republic of Columbus reports the explosion was reported shortly before 6 p.m. Monday in the 100 block of South Brooks Street.

Patrolwoman Sarah Goins found a truick parked at the home with its windows broken and smoke coming from the interior. She could also smell a strong chemical odor and noted items inside that are used to manufacture methamphetamine, the newspaper reported.

A fire extinguisher altered to carry anhydrous ammonia – a chemical fertilizer used in farming but also to make meth - caused the explosion, police said.

Officers closed the street to traffic for about three hours during the investigation. Investigators think they have identified the truck’s owner and are looking for that person.

Anyone with information should call Columbus Police Department at 376-2600.