Police say the Nashville blast was an “intentional act.”
Nashville police believe the explosion that shook the city center on Christmas morning was a deliberate act.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6:30 a.m. blast, which shattered windows and damaged buildings, was believed to be “an intentional act.” Authorities previously said they believed a vehicle was involved in the blast.
He said three people were taken to hospitals in the area for treatment, although none were in critical condition.
Police and firefighters were on the scene, as were investigators from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Right now, it’s a matter of public safety to make sure everyone is located and that the fire doesn’t go any further,” ATF Nashville spokesman Michael Knight told the Associated Press.
Black smoke and flames could be seen rising on Friday morning from the area, which is lined with bars, restaurants and other retail outlets and is considered the heart of tourism in the city.
Buildings in the immediate area and beyond were shaken by an explosion heard early on Christmas morning.
The Nashville emergency department told WKRN television that a parked RV exploded and damaged several buildings.
Buck McCoy, who lives in the area, posted videos on Facebook showing water leaks from the roof of his house. Alarms and screams are heard in the background. You can see a fire on the street outside. McCoy said the windows in his house were broken.
“All my windows, each of them, were broken. If I had stayed there, it would have been horrible, “he said.
“It simply came to our notice then. It was so big, “he told the Associated Press.
“About four cars were turned on. I don’t know if it was so hot it caught fire. And the trees were destroyed, “he said.