After blast, AT&T reports major service outage, including on emergency lines

AT&T reported a widespread internet outage after an intentional explosion occurred outside of one of its buildings in Nashville, Tennessee on Christmas morning.

By noon on Friday, users around the country reported a disruption in service, with a particular concentration in the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee, The Tennessean reported. Police added that the service outage was disrupting 911 access within Nashville jurisdictions, including on some non-emergency lines.

“Service for some customers in Nashville and the surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning. We are in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service,” Jim Greer, an AT&T representative, said in a statement to Newsweek.

The outage occurred after an RV exploded outside of an AT&T building around 6:30 a.m. local time this morning.

Before the incident took place, a recorded announcement coming from inside the RV warned that an explosive device was set to denote, authorities said in a press briefing on Friday.

So far, three people have been injured and at least 20 buildings have been damaged by the blast. Police have sent bomb-sniffing dogs to sweep the remaining downtown area, though they do not believe the city is in any imminent danger.

“We’re sweeping the downtown area just as a precaution to make sure that everyone is safe,” said Nashville Police Chief John Drake during a Friday press briefing. “With that said, we don’t feel there is any concern in the downtown area of anything else right now, but we are doing it as a precaution.”

The explosion damaged vehicles and structures that surrounded its origin, and left the RV largely destroyed. Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department, told reporters on Friday afternoon that authorities did not know if anyone was inside the truck at the time of the blast.

In a statement shared on Twitter, Tennessee Governor BIll Lee said authorities believe the incident was “an intentional act.”

However, authorities have not yet identified any suspects or motives involved in the incident. Aaron said police have not yet determined if the explosion was meant to specifically target the AT&T building, or if it was a coincidence.

An ongoing investigation will be led by personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A White House Spokesperson told Newsweek that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the explosion.

“President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured,” said White House Deputy Assistant Judd Deere.

Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to submit what they know to the FBI. Individuals can report tips online at www.fbi.gov/nashville, or over the phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Newsweek reached out to the Nashville Metro Police Department for additional information, but did not hear back in time for publication.