NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation into a large explosion from an RV in downtown Nashville early Friday morning that caused massive damage and injured three people.
The blast was felt across much of Davidson County around 6:30 a.m. Metro police said the explosion has been linked to a vehicle outside 166 Second Avenue N., the location of an AT&T data center downtown.
Metro police said there is no other imminent danger to the public, but out of precaution K-9s are sweeping the area.
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During a morning press conference, Metro police said they believe the explosion was an "intentional act." Federal agents say the bureau has not yet determined the motive or if the explosion was in fact intentional. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is also assisting with K-9s.
The FBI opened an online tip line for anyone who may have information on the explosion. Agents said anyone with information can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said police received a report of a suspicious vehicle outside of the AT&T transmission building and upon investigating the report, officers called the hazardous devices unit. The vehicle was playing a warning message for anyone in the area to evacuate, police said. Officers then went door-to-door to evacuate the area.
About an hour after the report of a suspicious vehicle, the vehicle exploded.
Witnesses told investigators they heard gunshots early in the morning and a message coming from an RV parked in the street warning anyone in the area to evacuate before beginning to count down to an explosion. Police have confirmed that the RV was broadcasting a message. Video posted to YouTube appears to capture the reported warning message seconds before the blast. Warning, some may find the below video disturbing:
Three people have been taken to the hospital, but officials say none of the injuries have been reported as critical. Metro police said an officer suffered hearing loss from the explosion, but the department is hoping the hearing loss is only temporary.
Traffic to the downtown area has been restricted on Friday morning. An Emergency Operations Center has been activated in response to the explosion.
Nashville firefighters have asked everyone in the area to move at least two blocks away due to concerns about any possible other explosions.
BREAKING: Nashville fire crews being told to back up ANOTHER two blocks from site of explosion in downtown area. Concerns: possible vehicle bombs left in area, potential radiation. All of this is PRECAUTIONARY at this point. — Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) December 25, 2020
WeGo Public Transit said it will suspend all bus service at 11 a.m. and will close WeGo Central as a precaution.
Heavy smoke and damage were seen in the Second Avenue area. Police said debris from the blast was found near the old Metro Courthouse and near the downtown pedestrian bridge.
Photos: Explosion in downtown Nashville causes heavy smoke, damage
The deputy assistant to President Donald Trump said the president has been briefed on the explosion.
President @realDonaldTrump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured. — Judd Deere (@JuddPDeere45) December 25, 2020
Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor John Cooper have released statements in response to the explosion.
We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning. — Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 25, 2020
The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities. MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic. Be safe Nashville. Thank you to our emergency personnel for your quick response. — Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) December 25, 2020
This story is breaking. Check back for updates.
pm-me-phish-shows on December 25th, 2020 at 17:30 UTC »
Where are the guy's comments from a couple hours ago who said he heard the announcement being made and he grabbed his mom, got the fuck out of there, and went down towards the stadiums and then checked into a hotel?
Everybody was calling him a troll because there was no mention anywhere of a loudspeaker announcement... but sure enough, videos are being posted now of the loudspeaker announcement with the resulting explosion. I cant find his posts.
Edit: Just want to clarify that I didn't say that I think I know where the announcement was coming from. I don't explicitly know, just like none of you do either. I have my opinions, which I haven't shared. If anybody says anything at this point, it's speculation. I can't remember if the user I'm talking about specified where he thought it was coming from either. All I was pointing out is that he said there was an announcement of some sort being made, he heard it, rightfully got nervous, and left. Maybe he was making it up. Maybe he got details wrong. The point is that when I saw his comment, nobody else said "I was there and that didn't happen." Instead, most replies said something like "I didn't see that reported. You're a troll. Bullshit."
MIguy-- on December 25th, 2020 at 14:53 UTC »
CNN has a live overhead shot, it was a damn big explosion. Apparently a cop noticed the vehicle prior to it exploding, called in for support and then it exploded.
Gilgamesh72 on December 25th, 2020 at 14:52 UTC »
Police are now saying it was an intentional explosion