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Police Chief John Drake told reporters there were no confirmed deaths, but authorities were examining tissue found at the scene of the blast that they believe could be human remains.
Police close an area damaged by an explosion on Christmas morning, December 25, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. Image: AFP.
WASHINGTON – A large explosion tore through a section of downtown Nashville early Friday morning after police, responding to reports of shooting, discovered a parked motorhome with a blaring warning that it was carrying a bomb.
The powerful blast shattered windows and shattered trees, injuring several people when it detonated at 6:30 a.m. (1230 GMT) in a section of the southern United States city that was largely deserted due to early morning and the holiday of the Christmas day.
Police Chief John Drake told reporters there were no confirmed deaths, but authorities were examining tissue found at the scene of the blast that they believe could be human remains.
He added that the city, known as a center for American country music, had not received any threats and a possible motive for the attack was unknown.
The explosion could be felt from miles away and damaged dozens of businesses, scattering glass, debris and bricks, as well as causing a building to collapse in an area with numerous bars, restaurants and shops.
In a dramatic sequence of events that broke the Christmas morning calm, police rushed to the area after receiving reports of gunfire and noticed the vehicle when they reached the scene.
A recorded message playing from the motor home warned that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes, enough time for a bomb squad to clear the area before the explosion, Drake and police spokesman Don Aaron told reporters Friday. early.
Witnesses told the Tennessee newspaper that the warning, spoken in a woman’s voice, counted down to the explosion.
“Evacuate now. There is a bomb. There is a bomb in this vehicle and it will explode,” recalled one the chilling recording read.
Images shared on social media immediately afterward showed thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the burning caravan and shop windows that had been smashed.
The blast occurred near an AT&T facility, leaving many in the area without phone service. The telecommunications company said that “given the damage to our facilities, it will take time to restore service.”
Nashville International Airport announced that it had temporarily halted flights due to “telecommunications problems” associated with the explosion.
OFFICER ARRIVED ON LAND
Officers began knocking on doors and evacuating residents due to the bomb warning, not knowing if or when the detonation could occur.
A dog walker was heading toward the vehicle just before the blast, the Tennessean newspaper said, but police pushed him back, potentially saving him from serious injury or death.
The blast knocked one officer to the ground, the newspaper said, and gave another officer hearing loss.
Both President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden were briefed on the incident, which is being investigated by the FBI and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“This appears to have been an intentional act. Police are closing downtown streets while the investigation continues,” the Metro Nashville Police Department tweeted.
Firefighters said at least three people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to local media.
The damage was “limited but dramatic,” Nashville Mayor John Cooper said, adding that the city was “lucky” the explosion occurred at Christmas, when few people were downtown.
“It’s unfortunate, but any other morning I think it would have been a much worse story.”
Biden issued a statement saying that he and his wife Jill Biden “thank all the first responders working today in response to the incident and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Trump’s spokesman, Judd Deere, tweeted that the president is “grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for the injured.”
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 prays for the injured.
Judd Deere (@ JuddPDeere45) December 25, 2020
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