Apparent Explosion Injures Woman on Rhode Island Beach

The small explosion occurred around noon at Salty Brine Beach on the state's southern coastline, according to CBS and other local media reports. The beach was evacuated after the incident.

It was not clear what caused the explosion, but a bomb squad was at the scene.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management officials said they were searching for a suspect they believe planted something in the sand before fleeing, according to CBS.

Witnesses quoted by CBS said a woman was thrown onto the rocks of a nearby jetty. She was taken to South County Hospital.