A massive explosion in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, on Christmas morning, shocked the whole town. The blast destroyed several blocks.
The explosion is being called “intentional” by the authorities.
What happened:
Nashville police and fire crews responded to news of a shady RV parked outside an AT&T building near Second Avenue and Commerce Street just before 6 a.m. Friday.
Upon arrival, police said an officer “had a reason” to alert the department’s hazardous devices unit en route when the explosion happened.
According to the report, police and firefighters responded to the area at about 6:45 a.m. On Friday evening, a statement released by Metro police Chief John Drake said that the motive of the explosion was unknown.
Drake also said it was unclear if anyone was inside the RV when it exploded.
According to the sources, Officers and witnesses heard a broadcast coming from the RV transmitting a spine-chilling warning: “Evacuate now. There is a bomb. A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode.”
He also said police discovered tissue at the scene that could be human remains. Experts will analyze it to determine what it is.
MNPD releases photo of RV linked to the explosion
The investigation about the explosion was all about an RV that was in the area Friday morning.
Police released a surveillance photo of the RV Friday afternoon and asked for the public’s help.
Police said the RV was seen in the area of Second Avenue North and Commerce Street after 1 a.m. Friday.
At least one witness in the area described a chilling warning that emanated from the RV before the explosion took place.
Police confirmed they believe the announcement came from the vehicle.
The Damage done
At least 41 businesses in the area had been damaged in connection to the explosion.
“It looks like a bomb went off,” Cooper said Friday morning.
Cooper declared a state of civil emergency late Friday afternoon.
Fire Chief William Swann said one building collapsed and others sustained major damage in the area around where the blast went off.
Several downtown residents’ homes were destroyed, Swann said.
