Authorities are investigating a deliberate explosion that rocked a Harvard Medical School building late Saturday evening, triggering a swift and large-scale emergency response across Boston’s Longwood Medical Area.
The incident occurred at the Center for Life Science located at 3 Blackfan Circle, a major research hub shared by Harvard-affiliated institutions. Officials confirmed that the blast happened around 8:40 p.m., causing significant alarm among nearby residents and medical staff working in adjacent facilities.
According to preliminary findings from the Boston Police Department, the explosion appears to have been intentional. Witnesses reported seeing two unidentified individuals fleeing the scene moments after the blast. Security footage from surrounding buildings is currently being reviewed to identify the suspects.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A building maintenance employee who was inside at the time of the explosion escaped unharmed. The area was immediately cordoned off as Boston Fire Department teams conducted a thorough inspection to rule out any secondary devices or potential hazards.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Office has joined the probe, confirming in a statement that it is “actively coordinating with local authorities to determine the motive and responsible parties behind the incident.” Investigators from the FBI’s counterterrorism and forensic units were seen entering the facility late into the night.
As of Sunday morning, forensic specialists were still processing the scene, collecting debris samples and reviewing digital evidence. Traffic disruptions continued around Blackfan Circle as law enforcement maintained an active perimeter.
Local residents described hearing a “sharp, echoing boom” that briefly shook nearby hospital buildings. “It sounded like something heavy had exploded underground,” said one medical technician working at Boston Children’s Hospital across the street.
Officials have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat and urged anyone with information about the two individuals seen fleeing the area to contact the Boston Police Department’s tip line or the FBI’s Boston Office.
The Center for Life Science is known for hosting several advanced research laboratories affiliated with Harvard University and Boston’s top medical institutions. Investigators are now determining whether the explosion targeted a specific lab or was intended as a broader act of vandalism or intimidation.
The motive remains unclear, but authorities have vowed a thorough investigation. “This was a deliberate act, and we are pursuing every possible lead,” said a Boston Police spokesperson. “We’re asking the community to stay alert and assist us with any relevant information.”
The building will remain closed until structural assessments confirm it is safe to reopen. The investigation is ongoing, with updates expected from both the FBI and Boston Police as new evidence emerges.
