Nashville explosion: ‘Intentional’ blast leaves ‘multiple casualties’ as cops warned of ‘more devices in vehicles’

 

'IT FELT LIKE A BOMB'

A HUGE Christmas Day explosion in Nashville has left "multiple casualties" as cops warned of "more devices in vehicles."

According to reports, investigators believe that the Friday morning explosion was an "intentional act."

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Vehicles were destroyedCredit: News Channel 5

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The explosion happened near Commerce StreetCredit: Metro Nashville PD

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Roughly 30 people were evacuatedCredit: AP:Associated Press

Nashville police said: "This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues."

Cops were reportedly en route to the suspicious vehicle when it exploded.

Roughly 30 people were evacuated from upper lofts on Second and Broadway near Commerce Street in Tennessee.

The bomb squad is now requesting the fire department to put out small fires so that they can investigate what has happened.

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The explosion took place at roughly 5.40amCredit: AP:Associated Press

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A bomb squad is now involvedCredit: AP:Associated Press

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A K-9 team were also on the sceneCredit: AP:Associated Press

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is sending agents and an Accelerant Detection K9 have also been sent to help investigate.

Special operations confirmed that they have received information that there could be additional devices in vehicles.

People have been advised to steer clear of vehicles in the downtown area.

The explosion led one building to collapse, and vehicles on the road have reportedly caught on fire.

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Downtown windows are broken following an explosion in the areaCredit: AP:Associated Press

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Smoke was billowing from the buildingsCredit: AP:Associated Press

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Emergency personnel stand near the sceneCredit: AP:Associated Press

Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after the loud boom.

The blast caused "heavy structural damage" and glass and steel to shatter "everywhere," according to Nashville Fire radio traffic.

Police spokesman Don Aaron said three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, although none were in critical condition.

The incident occurred at around 5.40am and heavy black smoke was seen rising from the area, WKRN reported.

"There is an incident involving an explosion. This is an active scene," the Nashville Fire Department said in a statement.

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The blast happened in Nashville, TennesseeCredit: WKRN

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The explosion happened on Christmas DayCredit: google maps

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Firefighters were at the scene on Christmas DayCredit: Nashville Fire Department

"Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department are on the scene. There are no additional details to provide at this time."

Michael Knight, a spokesman for the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said: "Right now, it’s a public safety concern, to make sure everybody is accounted for and to make sure the spread of the fire doesn’t go any further."

Buck McCoy, who lives near the area, posted videos on Facebook that show water pouring down the ceiling of his home.

Alarms blare in the background and cries of people in great distress ring in the background. A fire is visible in the street outside. McCoy said the windows of his home were entirely blown out.