The explosion occurred in the US downtown Nashville at Christmas, injuring three people and damaging dozens of buildings, Friday (25/12). Local officials believe the explosion was intentional.
“We believe the explosion was an intentional act,” Nashville Metro Police spokesman Don Aaron said in a press conference quoted by CNN, Friday (25/12).
Nashville Fire spokesman Joseph Pleasant said three of the victims had been taken to hospital from the scene. However, none of the victims were in critical condition.
Currently the incident is being investigated by various agencies, both local and federal government, including the FBI and ATF.
Tennessee Highway Police and Patrol closed the area for investigation. Meanwhile, interstate access through nearby areas, will be limited, Aaron said
Since Friday morning, police have been heading downtown to investigate suspicious vehicles when the explosion occurred.
Eyewitness Buck McCoy told CNN that the explosion occurred right in front of his house until the window burst.
“Everything that was on the road caught fire,” he said. “There were three cars completely exhausted.”
Police previously posted on Twitter that the explosion took place outside 166 2nd Avenue N. downtown.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper told CNN that dozens of buildings had been damaged, most of the glass shattered. However, the mayor did not know how many buildings or people were affected.
“Right now, there’s a lot of glass breakage on 2nd Avenue,” he said.
This street is on the edge of the downtown Tennessee tourist district in the historic old part of town.
