Late this morning, the N.C. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms said that an “improvised explosive device” detonated in the paint department at both stores, 42 miles apart.

Emergency Medical Services transported Salisbury resident Dawna L. Dansby, 38, 170 Cannon Road, to Rowan Regional Medical Center with complaints of nausea and a possible fracture. She was treated and released. Several employees and other customers who were in the vicinity of the explosion were treated for minor injuries and released from local medical facilities, according to a statement from state officials. Rowan County EMS director Wayne Ashworth said it is possible others went to the hospital on their own to seek precautionary treatment.

Mary Clay, 48, a customer at the Asheboro store, suffered second-degree burns to her back and head, officials said. Clay was airlifted to the University of North Carolina Hospital Burn Unit in Chapel Hill, where she is listed in good condition.

State and local officials were huddled in a meeting most of the morning at the Salisbury Fire Department and released a statement saying the two incidents have not been directly linked yet but the investigation will continue.

According to the press release, the explosion, and ensuing fire, in Salisbury occurred at 5:50 p.m. with the Asheboro incident following two minutes later at 5:52 p.m. Investigators did not release any more details about the explosions, including any description of the explosive device.

The Salisbury store was closed to the public this morning, and state agents, as well as Salisbury fire and police officials, were involved in the investigation.

“Indiscriminate bombings like these are heinous crimes that reveal cowardice of the individual(s) responsible,” Charlotte Division ATF agent Richard C. Fox said.

Lowe’s corporate headquarters released a statement late this morning expressing deep concern for those injured in the incidents: “Lowe’s is very pleased with the prompt response and professionalism displayed by the local fire and police departments, ATF, and the State Bureau of Investigation following the incidents that occurred in out stores…We are cooperating fully with the investigators.

“Our stores sustained only minor damage from the small fire and water from the overhead sprinkler systems. Both stores have been cleared to reopen by local authorities and investigators. We anticipate the Salisbury store to reopen Friday morning, Sept. 23.” The statement went on to say information regarding the reopening of the Asheboro store, located on East Dixie Drive, will be released soon.

An official at the Salisbury store asked a Post photographer to leave the shopping center parking lot, though dozens of Lowe’s employees and customers were standing just outside the store. The fire triggered the store’s sprinkler system, and water was pouring out of the front door of the store Wednesday evening.

Fire Chief Brady said the Salisbury store incurred “a considerable amount of water damage.”