Investigators have been left very confused by the discovery of a container suspected to hold large quantitates of dynamite in Tennessee.
And evacuations could be next.
At a glance:
- Authorities in Knoxville, Tennessee, are investigating a container suspected of holding large amounts of dynamite, prompting evacuations for residents within 3,000 feet of the site.
- The investigation began after an employee at CMC Recycling noticed the box emitting smoke while trying to open it.
- Evacuations are expected to remain in place overnight as officials, including the FBI and ATF, work to determine the contents of the container.
Authorities in Knoxville, Tennessee, are continuing to investigate a large steel container suspected of holding significant amounts of dynamite, prompting widespread evacuations as officials work to determine the exact contents of the box. Residents living within a 3,000-foot radius of CMC Recycling — a metal recycling facility in the area — have been urged to evacuate since Thursday, and authorities warn that the evacuations will likely remain in place throughout the night while the situation remains under scrutiny.
The investigation was sparked when an employee at CMC Recycling discovered the 5×5-foot steel container and, while attempting to open it with a torch, noticed smoke emitting from the box. This immediately raised alarm, leading the employee to contact authorities, who responded swiftly to the potential threat. While the exact nature of the box’s contents remains unconfirmed, officials are treating it as though it contains dynamite and poses a significant risk of explosion.
“Until we know more, we implore people to stay out of this area,” said Scott Erland, spokesperson for the Knoxville Police Department, during a press conference on Friday. “We’re still dealing with a volatile situation.” Erland emphasized the need for caution, urging residents and onlookers to keep a safe distance from the site as the investigation continues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsP47gSWRjw
Authorities have consulted with federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), both of which advised immediate evacuations out of an abundance of caution. According to Erland, there is no evidence of foul play or that the container was left at the site with malicious intent. However, given the potential danger, the situation is being handled with the utmost seriousness.
The box in question was believed to have been at the CMC Recycling facility for several days before the discovery was made, but its exact origin remains unknown. For now, the focus is on safely containing any potential threat posed by the box’s contents. “Until we believe otherwise, we’re going to treat it like it’s going to explode,” Erland explained, stressing that every precaution is being taken to protect the public.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon provided additional updates on the evacuations, noting that more than 30 residents spent Thursday night in an emergency shelter that was set up for those who chose to evacuate. The shelter will continue to remain available as the investigation progresses, with officials working around the clock to ensure the area is safe before residents are allowed to return to their homes. “This is a community effort to keep everyone safe, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation,” the mayor added.
Overall, more than 1,000 people have voluntarily evacuated the area, taking heed of warnings from law enforcement and emergency services. The ongoing investigation has led to a significant response from local, state, and federal authorities, all working in concert to ensure that the potentially explosive situation is resolved without incident.
As of now, the exact timeline for resolving the situation remains unclear, with officials emphasizing that the investigation will continue until the contents of the container are confirmed and the threat neutralized. “This is a delicate process,” Erland said, “and we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of everyone in the surrounding area.”
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates and stay away from the area as the investigation continues into the suspected dynamite. Police and federal authorities remain on-site, coordinating efforts to neutralize any potential danger and return the area to safety. The cause of the box’s presence at the recycling facility remains under investigation, though officials stress that, at this point, there is no reason to believe the situation was caused by foul play.