Mega-City One – Chaos and devastation reigned in the heart of Mega-City One’s Justice Hall this afternoon following a catastrophic explosion that ripped through the courtroom where Judge Dredd was presiding over the trial of Silas Thorne, accused of illegal cybernetic augmentation. The blast, initially reported as a localized power surge, quickly escalated into a full-scale structural collapse, leaving a significant portion of the Hall reduced to rubble and prompting immediate evacuation of surrounding districts.

Initial reports indicate that the explosion originated within the defendant’s holding cell, though the precise cause remains under investigation by the Mega-City One Police Department’s (MCPD) Special Investigations Unit. Preliminary forensics suggest a highly volatile, experimental cybernetic implant was the catalyst. Thorne, a known black-market tech dealer, was reportedly attempting to conceal the device, which was later recovered amidst the debris.

“It was… blinding,” recounted Officer Krell, a first responder at the scene. “One minute he was there, ranting about justice and the system, the next… a shockwave. The whole building shook. It was like something out of a nightmare.”

Judge Dredd himself was reportedly unharmed, though visibly shaken. When questioned by a reporter stationed outside the wreckage, he stated, “This isn’t a malfunction. This was deliberate. Thorne wasn’t just selling illegal tech; he was experimenting with it, pushing the boundaries of what’s permissible. And he paid the ultimate price.”

The explosion has further strained already tense relations between the Mega-City One Council and the criminal underworld. Councilman Volkov issued a brief statement emphasizing the need for “unwavering vigilance” and promising a thorough review of security protocols following the incident.

The aftermath of the blast has triggered a city-wide lockdown in the immediate vicinity, with emergency services focusing on search and rescue operations. Authorities are bracing for potential secondary explosions as unstable structural elements within the Hall remain a significant concern.

Judge Dredd has ordered a complete audit of all cybernetic augmentation licenses and is reportedly considering a temporary moratorium on new implant approvals pending a comprehensive safety review. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have stated they will pursue all available leads to bring those responsible to justice.