KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Evacuations Underway Due to Suspicious Box
In a rather unexpected turn of events, the Knoxville Fire Department has been busy responding to a potential emergency situation right here in our beloved city. It all unfolded late Wednesday afternoon along Western Avenue near Lonsdale, where a routine day took a sharp right when a suspicious box was discovered at CMC Recycling.
A Safety First Approach
In the interest of public safety, authorities decided to evacuate the area, and it wasn’t just a few folks that were asked to pack their bags. An estimated 1,200 residents from the 2700 block of Western Avenue were affected by the evacuation order. Knoxville Police Department spokesperson Scott Erland reported that they are proceeding with extreme caution, treating the situation as if it involves explosives, despite no evidence suggesting any malicious intent behind the box’s presence.
What Happened?
The alarm bells first rang around 2:15 p.m. when employees at CMC Recycling alerted authorities about a 5×5 steel box that was not only suspicious in its appearance but was also smoking. Investigations indicated that this box might contain dynamite, raising an immediate concern for safety. A thorough investigation was quickly mounted, which included the use of drones by the bomb squad to monitor the situation.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon urged residents who had to evacuate to find shelter at the Jacob Building, emphasizing the importance of looking out for neighbors who might need assistance, especially the elderly or those with mobility challenges. The local Red Cross is stepping in to help coordinate resources for those affected.
A Community Response
While the evacuation was a precautionary measure, Erland reassured the community that so far, there is no evidence indicating a terroristic threat. He stated, “We do not suspect any terroristic threat or bomb.” This is a relief to many in the bustling community, which has come together to support each other during this uncertain time.
The evacuation perimeter was expanded to a 3,000-foot radius around the recycling center, which meant that anyone in the nearby blocks was advised to leave their homes for their safety. Emergency alerts were sent out via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, ensuring that families were kept informed as the situation unfolded.
Ongoing Investigation and Precautions
Officials warned that the investigation might take some time, with Erland expecting evacuation orders to remain in effect overnight into Friday. He also confirmed that authorities were ready to assist anyone needing help evacuating by calling the police department’s non-emergency line at 865-215-4010.
Meanwhile, Western Avenue has been closed between Texas Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue, which has caused some disruption to local transit services, specifically affecting Route 12 of Knoxville Area Transit. Buses will be unable to service stops west of Keith Avenue while the investigation is ongoing.
Stay Informed
The Knoxville community is encouraged to stay updated on this situation as it develops. The Fire Department and local authorities are doing their best to keep everyone safe and informed. Should there be any further findings or insights about this intriguing scenario involving the mysterious steel box, you can count on local agencies to share updates for everyone’s peace of mind.
Remember to stay vigilant and look out for notifications. Here’s hoping for a swift resolution to this curious case!
