Standoff in Knoxville: Bomb Squad Responds to Explosive Discovery at Local Recycling Plant
It’s not every day that a calm afternoon in Knoxville takes a dramatic turn, but that’s exactly what happened on October 10, when a routine 911 call evolved into a tense standoff involving a bomb squad and a mysterious steel box loaded with explosives. The box, measuring a hefty five feet by five feet, contained an estimated 206 sticks of dynamite, and when KPD bomb squad commander Lt. Jonathan Chadwell arrived on the scene, it was already emitting smoke right before their eyes.
A Mysterious Discovery
The scene unfolded at CMC Recycling, where employees made a gripping discovery that would turn their workday upside down. To their shock, amidst the typical scrap metal, they found a wood-lined steel box replete with potentially dangerous materials. According to reports, a crane operator’s mishap led to the box being dropped, igniting smoke and panic among workers.
When they realized they were dealing with something far more serious than scrap, they promptly called 911. “Odd smoke” accompanied the work of cutting the box’s hinges with a torch, which added to the air of urgency.
An All-Out Effort
Upon learning about the situation, Lt. Chadwell and his team sprung into action. Over the next exhausting 36 hours, KPD bomb squad technicians collaborated with a multitude of local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring safety while they navigated through this hazardous situation. As more information came to light, it became clear that the box contained not only explosives but also 194 blasting caps, some of which had tangled wires and were dangerously close to triggering an explosion.
“The door was smoking. It was a little bit on fire,” Chadwell described the harrowing moment he and his team faced. Luckily, no explosives detonated during this critical time, and safety precautions were taken to secure the area.
Strategizing for Safety
To mitigate the potential blast radius, city crews filled dump trucks with salt and positioned them around the site. This clever tactic aimed to absorb any possible explosion. As night fell, officials worked diligently to evacuate homes and businesses within a 3,000-foot radius, ensuring that everyone remained out of harm’s way.
Though there was intense worry, the chaotic fire on the box eventually subsided on its own, easing the suspense exerted on the dedicated personnel on-site. “It was very lucky they did not go off with the heat,” Chadwell explained, noting the flashpoints that could have exacerbated the situation, including heat, shock, and even static electricity.
Handling Explosives with Care
As the sun rose on October 11, the team decided to tackle the situation head-on by dismantling the box. Bomb technicians are specially trained to assess and handle dangerous situations, and Lt. Chadwell felt confident in their abilities. With a keen sense of teamwork, the technicians decided to proceed with great caution, opting to work in pairs while switching out to avoid fatigue.
Opting for flexibility over full protection, they forwent their heavy suits, which can weigh up to 75 pounds, in favor of dexterity while safely extracting the explosives. Every decision was crucial, as the integrity of the operation rested on their collective expertise.
A Collective Effort
Throughout the intense standoff, the KPD bomb squad remained focused and vigilant. They were not in this alone; numerous first responders were on standby, ensuring that everyone nearby was kept safe and informed. Chadwell noted the bravery and commitment demonstrated by his team and all the individuals present, acknowledging that many put their lives at risk during the operation.
“Our main priority as a bomb technician is safety to the public first, then it’s our officers,” he explained, outlining their clear commitment to saving lives over property.
A Safe Resolution
Finally, after a long night and an arduous day of careful extraction, the evacuation order was lifted at 10 p.m. on October 11. The explosives were treated securely: drenched in diesel fuel and burned, while the blasting caps were safely detonated at the KPD training center.
The box, which held such explosive surprises, was initially purchased by CMC Recycling for its metallic value. Upon further examination, it was revealed that the substances were not typical dynamite but rather a commercial-grade emulsion containing ammonium nitrate, produced between 1992 and 2003 in Blountville, Tennessee.
Looking Forward
With the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stepping in to investigate, the task not only unveiled a troubling situation at a local recycling facility but also highlighted the expertise and dedication of the teams involved. Through collaboration and quick thinking, this unique incident concluded without harm, showcasing the extraordinary efforts of diverse agencies and the resilient spirit of Knoxville.
