Nashville PD: Vehicle exploded after officers were on scene

December 25, 2020 KVXMAS2020YAY US 0

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)

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UPDATED 12:25 PM PT – Friday, December 25, 2020

A surveillance video from the explosion site in Nashville, Tennessee reveals that someone was warning local residents of the blast right before it happened.

The warning stated, “If you can hear this message – evacuate now.” According to reports, the warning broadcast went on for 30 minutes before the explosion occurred, which suggests it may have been staged for unclear purposes.

Local reports also said some witnesses claim to have heard gunfire before the explosion began.

BREAKING: Audio warning was being broadcast before explosion rocked downtown Nashville. Video shows moment of blast. pic.twitter.com/3IvciFH6BV

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 25, 2020

Authorities in Nashville activated the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate a response to Friday morning’s explosion.

According to the White House, President Trump has been briefed and is actively monitoring the situation. He also thanked the first responders for their heroic efforts.

Windows are blown out in a building 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)

During a press conference, MNPD Spokesperson Don Aaron said investigators believed the incident was intentional and that bomb-detection dogs and equipment were on scene.

Aaron also said officers were called to the scene before the explosion occurred after unconfirmed reports of nearby gunfire. The RV was also reported as suspicious.

“I will say that central precinct officers conducted a door to door, apartment to apartment…check of units on Second Avenue this morning, just before the explosion occurred,” Aaron stated.

The bomb squad had just arrived when the vehicle exploded, which injured one officer and three civilians. The FBI has since taken over control of the investigation.