Police in Nashville, Tennessee believe that a massive Christmas morning explosion in the city “was an intentional act.” The blast destroyed buildings and vehicles, and filled downtown Nashville with smoke and fire.
The explosion occurred at around 6:30am local time near Second Avenue, according to city police. Police responded to a ‘shots fired’ call in the area and saw an RV they considered suspicious. As officers evacuated the area and a bomb squad arrived, the RV exploded, police sources told WKRN News.
Police and federal agents began an investigation immediately afterwards, with a police spokesman telling reporters that the blast “was an intentional act.”
MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH
According to some witnesses, a message coming from the RV prior to the blast warned bystanders to evacuate. Police told News Channel 5 that they are investigating these reports.
Footage from the scene on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/5g40RhwNNl
Three people were transported to hospital following the explosion, but none of their injuries have been reported as critical.
However, the blast devastated a large stretch of Second Avenue, destroying the facades of buildings, smashing windows, setting vehicles on fire, and spewing thick black smoke into the air.
Huge explosion rocks Nashville, TennesseeMORE: https://t.co/1lNKMbh77apic.twitter.com/rZBtioQp88
Firefighters have asked the public to stay at least two blocks from the blast site as a precaution in the event of further explosions. Around 30 people have reportedly been evacuated.
According to media reports, President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident.
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