The CIA used Briar Woods High School in Loudoun County, Va., for training exercises during spring break, and acknowledged Thursday it inadvertently left explosive material in the engine compartment of a school bus. Photo courtesy of Briar Woods High School

LEESBURG , Va., April 1 (UPI) -- The CIA admitted that after a training exercise it left "explosive training material" aboard a Virginia school bus later used by elementary and high school students.

The Loudoun County, Va., Sheriff's Office and the CIA, in separate statements Thursday, acknowledged the school buses were used during spring break in training scenarios at Briar Woods High School. The CIA statement indicated the exercises involved explosives-sniffing dogs.


A container of "explosive training material," described by Loudon school spokesman Wayde Byard as a soft, putty-type explosive, appropriate for battlefield demolition and stable unless a detonator is inserted, was found in the engine compartment of a school bus during routine maintenance after students returned to classes.

The container was found nearly a week after the CIA exercises concluded on March 24. The bus was in use by students for two days, Monday and Tuesday, and carried dozens of elementary and high school students on {link:eight trips totaling 145 miles. : "http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/04/01/feds-left-explosives-material-aboard-school-bus-after-training-exercises-parents-told.html?intcmp=hplnws" target="_blank"}

"During the exercise, explosive training material was inadvertently left by the CIA K-9 unit in one of the buses used in the exercise," the CIA statement said, adding the materials did not pose a danger to anyone riding the bus.

A meeting Thursday of school and law enforcement officials, including CIA representatives, determined training exercises would be postponed until stronger safety protocols are established.

"We're all very upset by what happened, but we're going to review everything that did happen. Obviously we're concerned. The CIA really expressed its deep concern and regret today, and it was sincere," Byard said.