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An explosion rocked the largely deserted streets of downtown Nashville, in the United States, early on Christmas morning, smashing windows, damaging buildings and injuring three people.
Authorities said they believed the explosion was intentional and the FBI is leading the investigation.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6.30am blast was believed to be “an intentional act.” Police previously said they believed a vehicle was involved in the blast.
Aaron said three people were taken to the hospital for treatment, although none were in critical condition.
The FBI will take the lead in the investigation, spokesman Joel Siskovic said.
Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also at the scene.
The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and acts of terrorism.
Black smoke and flames were seen rising from the area, which is packed with bars, restaurants and other retail establishments and is known as the heart of Nashville’s central tourist scene.
Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud crash was heard.
Metro Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management told Nashville television station WKRN that a parked vehicle exploded and damaged several buildings.
Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook showing water falling from the roof of his home.
Alarms sound in the background, as do the screams of people in distress. A fire is visible on the street outside.
McCoy said the windows in his house were completely smashed.
“All my windows, each and every one of them blew into the next room. If it had been there, it would have been horrible, ”he said.
“It felt like a bomb, it was that big,” he told The Associated Press.
“There were about four cars on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot that they caught fire and the trees were blown up, “he said. – AP
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