An explosion outside the Walmart Supercenter in west Topeka sent customers running from the store late Monday morning.
Initial reports from authorities were that the store, on SW Wanmaker Rd., had been evacuated, however store management told 13 NEWS after consultation with police they decided it was not necessary. Many customers did make for the doors, though, when they heard the explosion.
Members of the Topeka Police Dept. and Fire Dept. were called to the scene at approximately 10 a.m. when someone reported hearing a blast in the parking lot. Topeka Fire Marshal Mike Martin says it may have been a homemade firework tossed from a vehicle and noted it did not appear to be designed to cause damage or injury.