A busy section of Esquimalt Road was closed on Sunday after police received reports of a suspected explosive device. The incident unfolded around midday and brought an immediate response from officers who secured the area, closed roads, and evacuated nearby buildings. Within a short period of time, police confirmed the suspicious object was not dangerous and the area was reopened to the public.
The first report came in shortly before 12:30 p.m. Officers moved quickly to close Esquimalt Road from Lampson Street to Head Street, stopping both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Drivers were redirected and asked to avoid the area, while people nearby were evacuated as a precaution. Businesses had to pause operations and residents were temporarily displaced. Officials stressed that these measures were necessary until they could confirm whether or not the item posed a risk.
Specialized officers trained in explosive detection were deployed to the scene to assess the object. Their task was to inspect the item, determine whether it was hazardous, and make sure the area was safe before allowing anyone back. The scene was cordoned off, and officers worked with caution to ensure the public was kept at a safe distance. The investigation created delays and inconveniences, but authorities emphasized that public safety always comes first in situations involving a suspected explosive device.
By around 1:45 p.m., police announced that the item was not an explosive and did not pose any threat. With that confirmation, the road was reopened, evacuations were lifted, and normal activity resumed in the area. Residents returned to their homes, businesses reopened their doors, and traffic once again flowed through Esquimalt Road.
Although the object was harmless, officials explained that every report of a possible explosive must be treated seriously. Even when a suspicious item turns out to be safe, the steps taken by police and emergency teams are critical to ensuring no risk is overlooked. Explosive detection officers are trained to manage these events with extreme care, and their work provides reassurance to the community that potential threats are handled with urgency.
For people living and working nearby, the closure was an unexpected disruption, but many expressed appreciation for how quickly police handled the situation. Some experienced delays or interruptions to their daily routines, but relief spread once the all-clear was given. The fast resolution underscored how important it is for law enforcement to act immediately when there is a risk, even if it later proves to be a false alarm.
Authorities remind the public that it is better to report something suspicious than to dismiss it. If the object had been dangerous, the quick call to police and the rapid response from officers could have prevented serious harm. Community vigilance plays a key role in public safety, and residents are encouraged to report unusual items or behavior to authorities without hesitation.
By the afternoon, Esquimalt Road had returned to normal. What began as a tense and concerning situation ended in reassurance, with no injuries and no damage reported. While the suspected explosive device turned out not to be a threat, the incident highlighted the importance of swift response, careful investigation, and community cooperation. Police stressed that every precaution was justified, and the priority will always remain the safety of the public.
