Tennessee authorities were investigating a box containing a large quantity of dynamite at a metal recycler on Friday and were urging people living near the site to evacuate.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, an explosives robot was deployed to collect samples of explosives found inside a CMC recycling bin on Thursday.
The sample tested positive for ammonium nitrate, which is consistent with dynamite. Bomb squad technicians were working to remove the explosives from the boxes for disposal.
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Official maps of evacuation zones and authorities near the metal recycling plant where boxes of dynamite were discovered Thursday. (Knoxville Police Department)
It was initially reported that the box contained about 200 sticks of dynamite, but authorities said technicians had not confirmed how many sticks of dynamite were inside the box.
Police said they planned to “methodically” remove the explosives from the boxes, then fill the dynamite with diesel fuel and burn it. Police said there was no indication the box was placed at the scene with malicious or criminal intent.
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The Knoxville Police Department announced that explosive ordnance disposal robots have been deployed after explosives were discovered at a metal recycling center. (Knoxville Police Department)
It was left at the scene for several days. Officials said the dynamite inside was discovered when a worker at a metal recycling plant used a torch to retrieve the box and unintentionally set it on fire.
The Knoxville Police Department, in consultation with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, recommended evacuation of the area.
Officials said technicians had not determined how many pieces of dynamite were inside the box. (Wodicka/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
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Evacuations continue for people living within 3,000 feet of the box, police said.
