Nashville, TN – Emergency crews have responded to an explosion downtown this morning. A large boom was heard throughout the area with reports of people hearing the noise as far as Antioch and My. Juliet.
The explosion took place near the popular tourist area of Commerce Street and Second Avenue around 6:30 am Christmas morning. Heavy black smoke can be seen rising above the affected area.
An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown. Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
The Metro Nashville Office of Emergency Management told Nashville television station WKRN that a parked recreational vehicle exploded and damaged several buildings. They said crews are currently assessing the damage but no injuries have been reported.
We will continue to update this story as more information is released.
*Update
According to apnews.com:
Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said police responded to a call of shots fired just before 6 a.m. but found no immediate signs of a shooting, although officers noticed a suspicious vehicle and called for a hazardous unit. While they waited, the vehicle exploded.
Aaron said three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, although none were in critical condition. He said some people were taken to the department’s central precinct for questioning but declined to give more details.
Authorities now believe the blast was intentional with the FBI has officially taken lead in the investigation.
**Update
Law enforcement has identified Anthony Quinn Warner as the person who triggered the bombing that took place in Downtown Nashville. The blast also took his life.
At this time there has been no news on his reasoning for this attack on the city.
