US: Explosion in Nashville leaves 3 wounded

In US, an explosion shook the largely deserted streets of downtown Nashville early Christmas morning, shattering windows, damaging buildings and wounding three people. Authorities said they believed the blast was intentional. The FBI is leading the investigation. Police spokesman Don Aaron said the 6:30 a.m. explosion was believed to be “an intentional act.” Police earlier said they believe a vehicle was involved in the explosion. Aaron said three people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, although none were in critical condition.  Federal investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene.

Black smoke and flames were seen early Friday billowing from the area, which is packed with bars, restaurants and other retail establishments and is known as the heart of downtown Nashville’s tourist scene. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said on Twitter that the state would provide the resources necessary “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.”

Nashville's mayor said  that there is a "determination" to find who was behind a massive blast on Christmas morning that authorities called "an intentional act." The explosion was set off by an RV that blared warnings about a bomb before it detonated. Nashville Metro police chief John Drake said authorities had found tissue they believe could be connected to human remains near the site of the explosion.  They have not indicated whether the remains are from someone connected to the explosion or from an innocent victim.