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A motor home exploded in downtown Nashville, smashing windows and injuring three people in what police described as an “intentional act,” as investigators searched the scattered debris for clues.
The blast in the southern US city left buildings and the road surface charred, as well as glass, tree limbs and bricks strewn across the street in an area full of businesses, restaurants and bars.
In a dramatic sequence of events that shattered the early Christmas morning peace, police responded to calls that shots had been fired and arrived at the scene before the vehicle burst into flames.
Their attention had been drawn to the “suspicious” motorhome in time for a bomb squad to clear the area before the blast, police spokesman Don Aaron told reporters.
Images shared on social media immediately afterward showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the burning caravan and store fronts that had been badly damaged.
US President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, which is being investigated by the FBI and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in addition to the metropolitan police.
The agents did not immediately offer any possible motives and did not establish any link to any terrorist plot.
Some photos show damage on 2nd Ave North as various agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion this morning. pic.twitter.com/0cWA3oUCDl
– Nashville Fire Department (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
“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 explosion was large enough to be felt several blocks away, but the first hour, 6:30 a.m. local time, meant the streets were almost empty.
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.”
Police said several people had been taken to a local station for questioning, although no arrests or details of the suspects were announced.
US Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee addressed messages of concern from multiple public figures, saying she was “praying for everyone involved” and thanking the “brave first responders for keeping us safe.”
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