Residents of a Knoxville neighborhood were asked to evacuate their homes and businesses on Thursday after dynamite was discovered at a local recycling facility.
Knoxville authorities urged residents within 3,000 feet of CMC Recycling to evacuate to a local shelter after a steel box containing dynamite was discovered at the facility.
“Based on that initial assessment and out of an abundance of caution, Bomb Squad technicians believe the box does contain explosives,” the Knoxville Police Department said.
“There is no evidence to suggest foul play or that the box was left on site maliciously,”
“It is believed that employees were sorting through material when they discovered the box and attempted to open it.”
The facility provides metal recycling services for industrial clients and the community.
The situation would likely last through Friday. Fire officials said the evacuation was not ordered by recommended adding that hundreds have already left their homes and businesses.
