Evacuations urged after ‘possible explosives’ found near Western Avenue

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The discovery of “suspected explosive materials” at a Knoxville business on Thursday had led city officials to urge the public to evacuate the area around a stretch of Western Avenue until further notice. Western Avenue between Texas Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue is also closed.

At around 2:15 p.m. on October 10, Knoxville Police Department and KFD responded to CMC Recycling at 2706 Mynderse Avenue after employees discovered a “5×5 steel box that is actively emitting smoke.” It is suspected that the box contains a large amount of dynamite, though that has not yet been confirmed.

Officials are strongly urging people within a 3,000-foot radius of the suspected explosives to evacuate. KFD spokesperson Mark Wilbanks estimated that over 1,000 people had already evacuated the area as of 7 p.m. Thursday.

Erland said the evacuation recommendation and road closures could extend into Friday evening.

“In the strongest words, we can not encourage people enough to stay out of this area,” Erland said.

The bomb squad is currently monitoring the situation as they do not wish to aggravate the situation until the area is evacuated. Erland said that they consulted with the FBI and ATF, who recommended that the precautions remain in place at this time. KPD Bomb Squad personnel will remain on scene throughout the night.

Officials added there is no evidence to suggest the box was purposefully left on site with malicious intent.

“What most likely is the situation is that the box was brought down there closed. Nobody knew what was in it and when they went to open it, that’s what they found,” Wilbanks said.

An emergency shelter has been established at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, which is located at 3301 E Magnolia Ave. Knoxville Area Transit and American Medical Response are helping to take people from the area and anyone in need of transportation is asked to call 865-215-4010 .

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated.

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