Police: Santa Monica blast caused by explosive device

UPDATE: FBI: Suspect in Santa Monica synagogue explosion linked to bomb evidence

The blast sent a 300-pound metal pipe encased in concrete hurtling through the air and crashing through the roof of a home next door to Chabad House. Originally authorities had said they believed the explosion was a freak industrial accident.

But on Friday, bomb technicians and detectives scouring the scene discovered evidence that the blast was caused by an explosive device, police said. Items found nearby were linked to Hirsch, who was being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and other charges. 

UPDATE: From the official Chabad-Lubavitch Twitter account: "We have confirmed that the explosion at the S. Monica #Chabad house was NATURAL. Possibly linked to construction in the area."

According to the Jerusalem Post, Santa Monica police have reported an explosion on the roof of the Santa Monica Lubavitch Chabad House in Los Angeles at 6:45 on Thursday morning. No injuries have been reported. According to the LA Times, the device is believed to have been a pipe bomb.

From the Santa Monica Chabad website:

In response to news reports of a pipe bomb in our facility.  During morning services today the police department came to Chabad House in response to a report of an explosion.  The men that were praying did not hear or feel anything.  Rabbi Levitansky grabbed on of the new Torah scrolls so they can finish services.  Which they did at the corner of 17th and S. Monica.