ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) — Old dynamite was safely recovered Wednesday afternoon from a historic hotel in Elkins.
The City of Elkins said contractors were conducting renovations on the old Gassaway Hotel, which is being converted into the Tygart Hotel, when they discovered old dynamite and alerted authorities just after 3 p.m. The Elkins Police Department investigated and ordered people in the buildings nearby to evacuate.
The West Virginia State Police Explosives Response Team was dispatched and arrived just before 5 p.m. After they were briefed by city officials, they entered the building and safely recovered the dynamite and disposed of it.
Davis Avenue was closed between 2nd Street and 3rd Street for about two and a half hours but the all-clear was given at 5:53 p.m. and the street has since reopened.
At this time, officials say there is no threat to the public.