Suspicious Box Near Western Avenue Prompts Evacuation in Knoxville

The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) and Knoxville Fire Department remain actively engaged at the scene of a potential explosives incident nearby Western Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. The situation developed when a suspicious box was discovered on Mynderse Avenue, approximately 100 yards from the 2700 block of Western Avenue.

Information provided to WVLT News by those present indicates that KPD officers identified the box, which was reportedly emitting smoke, at around 2:15 p.m. As a safety measure, the authorities are proceeding as if the box could contain explosives.

Scott Erland, the KPD Communications Manager, stated that an evacuation order was issued covering a 3,000-foot radius, equating to more than half a mile. “We’re going to take it slow and cautiously,” Erland commented, indicating that the emergency response might extend over a prolonged period. “At this point, we really don’t know what we’re dealing with, just operating with the utmost caution,” he added.

The KPD bomb squad has been dispatched to assess the situation further. All traffic on Western Avenue between Texas Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue has been halted due to the ongoing hazardous materials investigation.