'Suspected Explosive Device' On Western Avenue Sparks Evacuation In Knoxville, Tennessee

Law enforcement in Knoxville, Tennessee issued an evacuation order Wednesday on Western Avenue after a 'suspected explosive device' was found. A public alert has been activated asking residents to urgently evacuate.Knoxville Police Department said that they responded to a recycling facility on Mynderse Avenue after employees there discovered a steel box containing dynamite, which was found smoking.Knoxville PD wrote in a post on X: "Due to the ongoing investigation into the suspected explosives on Mynderse Avenue, we are urging residents to evacuate from inside the pictured zone."

Due to the ongoing investigation into the suspected explosives on Mynderse Avenue, we 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. pic.twitter.com/X5XVew1fZn

— Knoxville Police TN (@Knoxville_PD) October 10, 2024

The city of Knoxville posted on X that the evacuation could last overnight or longer. A shelter has been set up in the nearby Jacob Building for people on Western Avenue who do not have an alternate place to go to. KAT and AMR are assisting with the transport, the city added.

Important info about the evacuations off Western Ave.

-The discovery of potential explosives led to evacuations

-A shelter is set up at the Jacob Building

-KAT and AMR assisting with transport

-Call 865-215-4010 for assistance

-This could be an overnight/longer evacuation pic.twitter.com/MXLXX8UIRT

— City of Knoxville (@CityKnoxvilleTN) October 10, 2024

This is a developing story.