A blast rattled downtown Nashville early on Christmas morning, wounding three people, causing destruction for several blocks and knocking out communications systems across the state, in what police believe was an "intentional act," multiple news sources reported Saturday.
During a briefing, late Friday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation disclosed that the agency along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with state and local authorities would spearhead an immediate probe into the explosion.
Police officers responding to reports of gunshots just before 6:00 a.m. found a camper van broadcasting a warning that a bomb would be detonated within 15 minutes and that people must immediately leave the area.
A few moments later, the van exploded, knocking off an officer from the shockwave while another suffered hearing loss. Small fires broke out on debris-filled streets as alarms went off, authorities said.
"This was a terrible day, but Nashville has faced other major challenges, particularly this year. We can rebuild and get back to normal," USA Today quoted Mayor John Cooper as saying.
Authorities have now released an image of the van, described by the Nashville police as a recreational vehicle (RV), arriving at the crime scene early Friday. Cooper said that preliminary evidence shows that it was a deliberate explosive material being set off in the community.
The Nashville Fire Department said a building crumbled from the blast. At least 41 buildings were damaged, reports said. The downtown area remains cordoned off to visitors and vehicular traffic as police dogs continue conducting sweeps and search downtown buildings.
AT&T internet and phone service were reportedly disrupted across the U.S., but mostly throughout Tennessee, as a result of the blast, which originated near the company's service facility.
Police Chief John Drake said authorities found tissue at the blast scene that could be human remains. Investigators said a test is being conducted to confirm the remains.
Several people were taken to the police department's central precinct for interrogation, but authorities refused to provide more information, Friday morning.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily suspended flights out of Nashville International Airport (NIA) because of communications issues, airport officials said.
Outgoing commander in chief Donald Trump has been briefed about the incident, said White House spokesperson Judd Deere, who added that Trump, who's spending the holidays in Florida, will continue to be updated.
"The president is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were hurt," Deere said in a statement.
