The full story reports that FBI agents built a mock bunker nearby for practice before the operation:
The final rush to bring Ethan to safety began suddenly on Monday afternoon. Neighbor Byron Martin heard a boom that “made me jump off the ground.” Local paper the Dothan Eagle reported two loud blasts after 3 p.m.
It seems the bang was the first – and most audible – sign to people in the area that Ethan’s ordeal was close to an end. An FBI source confirmed to NBC News on Monday that the blast was a “diversionary device” – a flashbang explosive that gave them time to breach the bunker through a door at the top at 3:12 p.m. The boy emerged unharmed, according to officials, but the man who authorities say abducted him was dead at the scene.
