Knoxville neighborhood urged to evacuate after dynamite found at recycler; foul play not suspected

Authorities have urged evacuations in a neighborhood of a Tennessee city after workers at a recycling company discovered a container apparently containing dynamite, although no foul play was suspected.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Authorities have urged evacuations in a neighborhood of a Tennessee city after workers at a recycling company discovered a container apparently containing dynamite, although no foul play was suspected.

The Knoxville Police Department said in a news release that it was urging residents within 3,000 feet of CMC Recycling to move after employees discovered a steel box containing suspected dynamite.

The department said the bomb squad assessed the scene with a drone and could not positively identify the contents of the box, but “based on that initial assessment and out of an abundance of caution, Bomb Squad technicians believe the box contains explosives.” ‘, the release said.

According to the police, there are no indications of foul play.

“There are no indications that there is any foul play or that the coffin was deliberately left at the location,” the police statement said. “It is believed workers were sorting materials when they discovered the box and attempted to open it.”

The company’s website states that it provides metal recycling services to industrial and residential customers.

A shelter has been opened for people who have been displaced.

Authorities said the situation would likely not be resolved until Friday. Fire department spokesman Mark Wilbanks said an evacuation was not ordered but recommended, according to the Knoxville News-Sentinel. He said hundreds have left their homes and businesses.