Police say an exploding transformer led to the lockdown of several schools in a west end Moncton neighbourhood on Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Thierry Malenfant said officers received reports of a suspicious explosion by Bessborough School around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Several residents took to social media reporting that they heard what sounded like an explosion in the area.

Bessborough and Hillcrest schools were placed under lockdown, while Bernice MacNaughton High enacted its hold and secure procedures.

Police tape surrounds the playground at Bessborough School in Moncton on May 15, 2024. Image: Submitted/Wade Perry

At 12:30 p.m., a social media post from RCMP said that officers were on the scene of a police operation in the area and asked the public to stay away.

Malenfant said officers later determined that an NB Power transformer had blown and a piece of it landed near the school’s playground.

The staff sergeant said investigators determined that there was nothing criminal in nature that took place.

In an email sent to families, the Anglophone East School District said there were no injuries among students and staff.

The district said the decision to place schools under lockdown or hold and school was taken “out of an abundance of care and caution.”

Image: Submitted/Anglophone East School District