Knoxville Fire: Evacuation urged after ‘possible explosives’ found near Western Avenue
By Hannah Moore,
4 hours ago
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knoxville Fire Department has shared that Western Avenue between Texas Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue is closed due to a “suspected explosive device” and the public is urged to evacuate the area.
Mayor Indya Kincannon shared that CMC Recycling reported that they found a box possibly containing explosives. She said the main goal is to evacuate the area.
“As the mayor indicated, the initial call was from CMC Recycling. The employees that have reported had found a box that possibly contained explosives. When they went to open that box in their normal procedures, they discovered it potentially had explosives and then they notified us,” said KPD spokesperson Scott Erland.
“We have since verified that we also believe that this contains potential explosives. The problem that we have right now is the box is smoking. So, for the bomb squad, we’re kind of in a wait-and-see mode because anything the bomb squad does has the potential to upset that box. So, the main priority right now is the evacuations and those efforts are ongoing with KPD, KFD and THP.”
The bomb squad is currently monitoring the situation as they do not wish to aggravate the situation until the area is evacuated. Erland said this could be a prolonged event.
Both said they believe the box’s contents were improperly disposed of and not placed maliciously.
The City of Knoxville shared that anyone in need of shelter can go to the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park. In addition, KAT and AMR are helping to take people from the area and anyone in need of transportation is asked to call 865-215-4010 .
“Due to the ongoing investigation into a suspected explosive device on Mynderse Avenue, KPD and KFD personnel are urging residents to evacuate from inside the pictured zone. A public safety message has been sent through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System to people inside the impacted area,” wrote KFD.
this was the craziest most stupid alert I have ever seen. it listed something and western. I later find out those were street names. how are we all to recognize those names. there was no rd., street, ave or any indication of what it meant. who was the moron that sent that out!
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