Residents of Nashville, Tenn. and surrounding areas awoke to a massive explosion on Christmas morning around 6:30 am local time.
Authorities, including Metro Nashville Police and the Nashville Fire Department with a bomb squad, responded to an explosion on Second Ave. North and Commerce Street in downtown Nashville early Friday morning (Dec. 25). Metro Police confirmed that the explosion was related to a vehicle, however, no additional information is available at this time.
“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 Police shared on Twitter.
Explosion 2nd Ave N Nashville pic.twitter.com/qhifSTMYSh
— James Green (@babeteamgreen) December 25, 2020
NEW – Footage of the aftermath of the explosion that rocked #Nashville on Christmas morning.pic.twitter.com/mOmQeqZGdb
— Disclose.tv 🚨 (@disclosetv) December 25, 2020
Downtown Nashville vehicle explosion pic.twitter.com/yku6Tctz4K
— Austin Frisch (@Austin_Zone) 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
Horrific images from #Sky5 of the explosion in downtown Nashville. Damage stretches for a few blocks @nc5 pic.twitter.com/58FthpYh3M
— Chris Conte (@chrisconte) December 25, 2020
Footage from the scene on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/5g40RhwNNl
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Residents of downtown took to social media to share photos and videos of the jarring scene. Social media coverage shows charred streets, busted windows and burning fires around the scene.
Damage is being reported around Second Ave and beyond, including the popular tourist stretch of Broadway.
According to Nashville’s News Channel 5, the explosion was felt up to 40 miles away. Nick Beres, a News Channel 5 reporter, says that Metro Police have now confirmed that they believe the explosion to be an “intentional act.” Beres also reports that Metro Police were responding to reports of a suspicious vehicle and the vehicle exploded while they were en route.
Injuries are unknown at this time.
11:00 AM CT Update: Officials will host a press conference to provide additional information at Noon CT.
Fox 17 reports that Metro Nashville Police were able to conduct door-to-door checks prior to the explosion to evacuate people nearby.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
