Authorities in Beaver Dam still haven't identified the man killed in an apartment explosion Monday afternoon.
Following the blast earlier this week at 109 Knaup Dr., investigators also found homemade explosives inside of the apartment.
At 1:31 p.m. Wednesday, authorities secured the unit and conducted a controlled detonation to blow up what the police chief described as the volatile chemicals inside.
Sand bags were strategically placed around the apartment to absorb the explosion, according to Beaver Dam Police Chief John Kreuziger.
The chief added nearby doors and windows were also boarded up.
The building housing the apartment still sustained some structural damage.
"We knew there would be some damage to the unit itself, and to some of the surrounding, adjacent apartments," said Justin Tolomeo, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Milwaukee Division. "That did occur."
Firefighters were called in following the blast to extinguish a blaze impacting the attic and adjacent apartments.
"The operation was a success and eliminated the threatening, explosive material," Kreuziger said.
Investigators declined to specify what the dangerous chemicals inside the apartment in question were. But Tolomeo said explosives can be manufactured using basic, household substances.
On Beaver Dam's Spring Street, many gathered to watch the controlled explosion.
"It was a lot louder than I thought it was going to be," said Nancy Baisden, who lives in the apartment complex.
Baisden and her neighbors were forced to evacuate their homes on Monday evening.
Kreuziger said he's hopeful some residents can begin moving back into the complex on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
Other neighbors wonder why the man killed in the explosion was in possession of so many homemade explosives.
"It's kind of concerning," said Tyler Neu, of Beaver Dam.
Tolomeo said the FBI is investigating those same questions and should be able to make progress once the deceased suspect has been identified.
"We're looking into that right now, and we hope to have answers," Tolomeo said.
