RV broadcasts warning before exploding in Downtown Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMC/WSMV) - Fire crews are on the scene of a massive explosion in Downtown Nashville. Authorities said this was “an intentional act.”

During a noon news conference, authorities said they found a suspicious RV around 5:30 Christmas morning. The RV was broadcasting a recording warning, telling people to evacuate the area and said a bomb would detonate within 15 minutes.

The RV was parked in front of the AT&T building on Second Avenue.

As the hazardous devices unit was responding, the RV exploded at 6:30 am.

The explosion knocked one officer to the ground. No officers significantly hurt but one officer suffered hearing loss, which they hope is temporary.

Police dogs are conducting sweeps of the Downtown area to make sure there are no secondary devices. Police are also conducting searches of downtown buildings to make sure no one is in need of help.

They’re trying to look at footage that cameras in the area may have captured. A large part of downtown is sealed off.

The FBI and ATF have taken the lead in the investigation. FBI has setup an online tipline for this incident www.fbi.gov/nashville. Authorities also want people to call 1-800-CALL-FBI if they have any information related to this case.

Police don’t believe there are any more threats to Downtown Nashville.

Agents with the FBI and ATF are assisting with the investigation.

Some photos showing damage on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/0cWA3oUCDl
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020

DEVELOPING: TBI has Agents and an Accelerant Detection K9 assisting in the efforts to investigate this morning’s explosion in downtown #Nashville.

As the situation continues to develop, we stand prepared to assist the @FBI as it leads the investigation. pic.twitter.com/lYv6oJVkPb
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) 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

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

Emergency crews have closed a 10-block radius around the site of the explosion. A Metro Police bomb disposal unit has arrived on the scene.

President Donald Trump has also been informed of the Nashville explosion. White House press secretary Judd Deere said Trump is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured.

President @realDonaldTrump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured.
— Judd Deere 45 Archived (@JuddPDeere45) December 25, 2020

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a statement on Twitter. He’s asking for prayers and encouragement during the difficult time in Nashville.

We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 25, 2020

Footage from a condo near the explosion shows the moment of impact when the incident happened.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back for updates.

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