MIDDLETOWN — An explosion heard throughout the northern part of Delaware destroyed an abandoned vehicle during target practice in a farm field north of Middletown Sunday, Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio said.

Mr. Chionchio said the explosion at 4836 Summit Bridge Road was reported shortly before noon. The Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown responded to several 911 calls reporting the explosion. Firefighters discovered a vehicle damaged by explosives in the farm field approximately 500 yards west of the road.

Investigation by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office determined that several people were gathered in the field prior to the explosion, taking target practice with firearms, Mr. Chionchio said. Toward the end of the target practice an explosive mixture commonly known as a binary exploding rifle target was prepared and placed next to the abandoned vehicle, he said.

The binary exploding rifle target was detonated using a long-range rifle causing the explosion. The vehicle was destroyed, and fragmentation was scattered throughout nearly three acres of farmland. Two pieces of the vehicle were stuck 30 feet high in two trees, Mr. Chionchio said.

The binary exploding rifle target was misused and not in accordance with it’s lawful purpose, Mr. Chionchio said.

The Delaware State Police – Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and explosive specialists from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) are assisting with this investigation.

There were no reported injuries. Investigators canvassed the area to determine if any property had been damaged.

All individual involved were identified and criminal charges are pending review by the State of Delaware Attorney General’s office, Mr. Chionchio said.