Metro Nashville police say authorities believe an explosion that rocked downtown Nashville early on Christmas Day was a deliberate act
NASHVILLE – An explosion shook the largely deserted streets of downtown Nashville early Christmas morning, smashing windows, damaging buildings and injuring three people. Authorities said they believed the explosion was deliberate. The FBI is leading the investigation.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6:30 am explosion was “an intentional act.” Police previously said they believe a vehicle was involved in the explosion. Aaron said three people were taken to local hospitals for treatment, although none of them were in critical condition.
The FBI will lead the investigation, spokesman Joel Siskovic said. Federal detectives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene. The FBI is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, such as explosives violations and terrorist attacks. Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene.
Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday from the area, which is full of bars, restaurants and other shops and known as the heart of Nashville’s tourist hub.
Buildings shook in the immediate vicinity and beyond after a loud bang was heard.
Buck McCoy, who lives nearby, posted videos to Facebook showing the water running through the ceiling of his house. Alarms sound in the background and screams of people in dire distress sound in the background. Fire can be seen in the street outside. McCoy said the windows of his house had been blown all the way out.
‘All my windows have all been blown to the next room. If I had stood there it would have been awful, ”he said.
‘It felt like a bomb. It was so big, ”he told The Associated Press.
‘About four cars were on fire. I don’t know if it was so hot that they caught fire and the trees were all blown apart, ”he said.
Tennessee government Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state would provide the resources needed “to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me to pray for those who have been injured and we thank all our first responders who acted so quickly this morning. “
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Associated Press writers Eric Tucker in Washington and Thalia Beaty in New York contributed.