Bomb-shaped item causes MIT scare

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 25 (UPI) -- A bomb-shaped concrete block being used for a dance promotion at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology prompted a bomb scare, police say.

Police in Cambridge, Mass., said bomb squad officials were sent to the college campus Friday to investigate a reported cherry bomb-shaped object placed in front of Kresge Auditorium, The Boston Globe reported Saturday.

Police said after inspecting the concrete block, Cambridge Police Department Bomb Squad members determined it was not explosive and left the scene.

The block had been promoting an annual dance scheduled for Friday night. A dormitory student group known as the Burton Third Bombers was deemed responsible for the promotion and the group offered apologies to MIT and city officials for the mix-up.

Police told the Globe they determined the student promotion was not conducted based on criminal intent, but a decision has yet to be made whether the students will be billed for related police costs.