Authorities in eastern Tennessee are actively examining a container that is believed to contain significant amounts of dynamite, prompting warnings for residents that evacuations may extend overnight.
Scott Erland, a representative from the Knoxville Police Department, addressed reporters on Friday, urging the public to avoid the vicinity. “Until we gain more information, we ask individuals to refrain from entering this area,” he stated. “We are currently facing a precarious situation.”
The warning for residents within a 3,000-foot radius of CMC Recycling, a facility offering metal recycling services to both individuals and businesses, was issued after an employee found a steel box measuring 5×5 feet that is suspected to contain dynamite.
The situation escalated when the employee attempted to open the box with a torch, causing the contents to begin smoking, which compelled the individual to alert the authorities. Despite these developments, the exact contents of the container remain uncertain.
“Until we have reason to believe otherwise, we will act as though it is a potential explosive hazard,” Erland asserted.
Authorities have reported no indicators of foul play or any suggestion that the box was intentionally abandoned at the location. While the exact timeframe of how long the box has been at CMC Recycling is not known, it is presumed to have been present for several days, according to Erland.
The Knoxville Police Department is collaborating with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who advised on the necessity of evacuating the immediate area.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon noted that over 30 individuals utilized the emergency shelter established for evacuated residents on Thursday night. This shelter will remain operational as officials investigate further.
In total, more than 1,000 residents have chosen to evacuate the area voluntarily, as the situation develops, Erland confirmed.
