Police: Vehicle that exploded in Nashville broadcast warning before blast

The vehicle that exploded Christmas morning in Nashville broadcast a message shortly before detonation warning people to evacuate the area, police said Friday afternoon.

Nashville Police Chief John Drake said officers were responding to an emergency call of gun shots in the downtown area around 5:30 a.m. and found an RV with the recording playing.

Officers evaluated nearby buildings in Tennessee’s capital upon hearing the recording, and shortly after the RV exploded, Drake said at a press briefing.

The Washington Post reported that a voice could be heard saying, “This area must be evacuated now. If you can hear this message, evacuate now,” according to a video posted on social media.

The fire department chief said three individuals with minor injuries were taken to hospitals.

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also investigating the incident, which officials said they believe was an intentional act.

Both President Trump and President-elect Joe Biden have been briefed on the explosion.

Authorities are sweeping the downtown area as precaution, but Drake said officials don’t feel there are any additional threats.

Photos of the area shared by the Nashville Fire Department showed smoke and flames in the downtown area, and windows broken out in nearby buildings.

Police said multiple buildings were damaged, some extensively. 

The area is usually heavily trafficked, but was fairly empty around the time of the early Christmas morning explosion, officials said.