HOLLADAY, Utah – A controlled explosion of dynamite in a residential home in Holladay has left the homeowner, 79-year-old Teri Wojcik, apologizing to her neighbors for the damage caused and the disruption to their lives. Wojcik, who returned to her home after her husband’s passing earlier this year, expressed regret over the unexpected turn of events that led to the detonation of dynamite sticks found on the property.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that Wojcik’s late chemist husband had stored various chemicals and explosives on the premises for experiments and projects. Concerns arose when a small mercury spill was reported, prompting the involvement of the EPA and the bomb squad due to the potential dangers posed by the chemicals and dynamite.
The EPA, along with other authorities, worked to remove the hazardous materials from the property, with the discovery of approximately 50 sticks of dynamite dating back several decades. Despite efforts to clear the majority of the dynamite and chemicals, a few unstable sticks remained, leading to the decision to conduct a controlled detonation in the home.
Unfortunately, the explosion resulted in the destruction of the home and damage to neighboring houses. Cleanup efforts continued as EPA investigators removed additional chemicals from a shed on the property. Reflecting on the situation, it was noted that the homeowner’s husband may have unintentionally amassed a large amount of hazardous materials due to his condition.
Moving forward, the EPA aims to complete the cleanup and monitoring of the property by Friday, ensuring the safety of the neighborhood. Wojcik, who lost most of her belongings in the explosion, remains grateful that no one was injured and is thankful for the community’s response to the incident.
As Wojcik navigates the aftermath of the explosion, her daughter has set up a fundraiser to help cover expenses. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper storage and handling of hazardous materials, even in residential settings.