Update: Evacuations were lifted in Knoxville Friday evening after a box of dynamite and blasting caps were found in a steel box at a recycling facility Thursday. Officials had hoped to be able to remove the dynamite by robot but members of the Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Metro Nashville Police Department ended up having to remove the explosives by hand. KPD Chief Paul Noel said he could not stress how dangerous the situation was and called the responders heroes. After about 36 hours, residents within 3,000 feet of CMC Recycling were allowed to return home around 10pm Friday.
Original story:
The Knoxville Police Department said Friday morning (10/11/2024) that evacuations remained in place within 3,000 feet of suspected explosive material that that was discovered Thursday afternoon at CMC Recycling on Mynderse Avenue.
Police said the explosive material was found inside an approximately 5×5 steel box that was actively emitting smoke. It is suspected that the box contains a large amount of dynamite, though that had not been confirmed as of Friday morning.
According to WVLT, authorities do not think the box was placed there maliciously and it has been on the property for several days. Reportedly, CMC employees used a torch to open the box and when it started smoking they called 911.
Nearby Knoxville residents were told to evacuate Thursday and as of Friday morning there were still strongly urged to stay away from the evacuation zone until it has been deemed safe to return. (Image courtesy KPD)
