Downtown Nashville woke up Christmas morning to sound of an explosion. Local police say the blast happened at 6:30 a.m. Central time and suggested the blast was set off on purpose.
An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown. Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
The downtown area is closed off. The local fire department reported three injuries, but nothing major.
NOW: @MNPDNashville’s bomb disposal unit just arrived. @WSMV pic.twitter.com/MVylLDC0nE
— Cameron Taylor (@WSMVCameron) December 25, 2020
@NashvilleFD says 3 people were transported. No significant injuries. @WSMV
— Cameron Taylor (@WSMVCameron) December 25, 2020
Footage and pictures from the scene showed damage to surrounding buildings and smoke billowing from the site.
These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south. Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area! Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB. pic.twitter.com/tocdpHWFgj
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Update – it’s near 2nd and commerce. Definitely an explosion. Jesus #nashville #downtown pic.twitter.com/BUlrFlBNru
— Jeremy Schott (@thejeremyschott) December 25, 2020
The motivation and precise circumstances behind the event remain unclear at press time.
#UPDATE: Don Aaron with Metro police says it appears the RV explosion “was an intentional act.” The scene at 2nd/Commerce in downtown Nashville will be active for an extensive period of time. ATF, FBI and other agencies involved in investigation. We are LIVE on @WKRN. pic.twitter.com/SfYilpVdqf
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowWKRN) December 25, 2020
Update – 6:34 p.m.: Surveillance footage showed the RV in question airing a broadcast. Fox 17 News cited sources who said that human remains were found near the vehicle. Police Department Chief John Drake said they found tissue that could be human remains. No deaths were announced.
Surveillance video footage captured a warning broadcast from an RV parked in downtown Nashville — “if you can hear this message, evacuate now” — seconds before it exploded. https://t.co/F26tixpTr5
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 25, 2020
BREAKING: This is the RV that exploded on 2nd Ave N this morning. It arrived on 2nd Ave at 1:22 a.m. Have you seen this vehicle in our area or do you have information about it? Please contact us via Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or online via https://t.co/dVGS7o0m4v. @ATFHQ pic.twitter.com/JNx9sDinAH
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
[Screengrab via NewsChannel5]
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
