The mayor of Nashville praised police officers in Friday morning’s blast as “incredible heroes” who rushed into danger to save lives.
Mayor John Cooper said the six local police took “quick steps” to evacuate people from the downtown area, while a parked van sounded a warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes.
“These incredible heroes who were in danger with uncertain results ahead were responsible for saving so many wounds,” Cooper said at a press conference in the evening.
The brave cops “took swift action and directed people towards saving lives, even at the time when their own lives would have been in danger.”
“They’re heroes and I’m grateful to them.”
Officers had been responding to reports of “shooting” in downtown Nashville when they arrived at the RV and heard the horrific recording.
They evacuated nearby buildings and called the bomb squad, and the vehicle exploded shortly afterwards.
Three people were injured in the blast and were in stable condition, officials said.
Human remains were found near the site, CBS News and The Associated Press reported, citing law enforcement sources.
It is still unclear if the remains are from someone related to the blast or from a victim. Authorities have not said if anyone was in the vehicle when it exploded.
Asked about the debris reports, Nashville Metro police chief John Drake said “we found tissues we thought could be debris.”
The “tissues” have yet to be examined, the chief told reporters.
At least 41 buildings were damaged during the bombing, which officials said was a deliberate act. Authorities said many people had been displaced.
“This morning’s attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of hope,” the mayor said.
Authorities “will not rest until those responsible for this outrageous and cowardly attack are brought to justice,” Cooper added.
“The spirit of Nashville can’t be broken … We can rebuild and get back to normal.”
A curfew has been imposed on the area affected by the explosion until 4.30pm on Sunday.