Windsor police have confirmed that an explosion took place at Stellantis' Windsor Assembly Plant Thursday evening.
Emergency crews arrived at around 5:45 p.m. The facility had been evacuated at that point.
Police say suspicious items were recovered in the area where the explosion took place. Officers from the Arson Unit, K-9 Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, and Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) attended the scene.
Constable Talya Natyshak said the EDU discovered several items in a contained area that appeared to be an improvised bomb or explosive device.
"It should be noted that the explosive device was located in an area of the facility not generally used for work and acts as a storage facility," said Natyshak. "The incident occurred on the west side of the facility on the second floor. One employee was in the area at the time of the incident. However, no injuries were reported."
Plant management eventually sent the employees home. Unifor Local 444, who represents hourly workers at the plant, reported late Thursday night that the plant was cleared for production overnight and into Friday as usual.
Investigators are still on scene, as they believe this was an intentional act. Police are appealing to anyone who has information or surveillance camera footage to share, to come forward.
Anyone with information should call Windsor police at (519) 255-6700, ext. 4330, or ext. 4000 after-hours. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (519) 258-TIPS (8477).
