DEVELOPING (USA Today) – Authorities believe an explosion that occurred in the downtown early Christmas morning and was felt for miles was an “intentional act” sparked by a vehicle. Police responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked outside the AT&T building just before 6 a.m.
Upon arrival, police said an officer “had a reason” to alert the department’s hazardous devices unit, which was en route when a “significant explosion” happened. Three people were hospitalized with injuries, police said. At least 20 buildings, said Nashville Mayor John Cooper was estimated to be damaged due to the explosion.
Police and firefighters responded to an area near Second Avenue and Commerce Street at about 6:45 a.m. Friday. Officials are on the scene trying to put out the fire and see if anyone is inside the building. The fire department confirmed a bomb squad was on the scene with an active investigation by Metro police and federal agencies.
The department asked residents and others to avoid the area. Mayor John Cooper said he toured the damage, describing broken glass and water mains with insulation “blown up” into the trees. “It looks like a bomb went off,” he said. He said it was too soon for any conclusions but said updates will be given Saturday morning. The downtown area will be “sealed off” for further investigation and to make sure everything is “completely safe,” according to Cooper. READ MORE
