Update: Downtown Nashville Explosion Knocks Out Communications

Emergency personnel work near the scene of an explosion in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. Buildings shook in the immediate area and beyond after a loud boom was heard early Christmas morning.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

A recreational vehicle parked in the deserted streets of downtown Nashville exploded early Christmas morning, causing widespread communications outages that took down police emergency systems and grounded flights at the city’s airport.

Police believe the blast was intentional but don’t yet know a motive or target.

Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake noted that officials had not received any threats before the explosion. The chief said investigators have found tissue at the scene that they believe could be remains.

Mayor John Cooper said three people taken to area hospitals for treatment were in stable condition Friday evening.

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