[PICTURES] Large explosion in downtown Nashville

An explosion occurred in downtown Nashville, Tennessee on Christmas morning.  

The Nashville Police Department indicated on their Twitter account that the explosion was vehicle related and was intentional.

MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH

- Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020

The windows of several nearby businesses were shattered, according to photos shared by firefighters in the southern U.S. city. 

These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south. Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area! Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB. pic.twitter.com/tocdpHWFgj

- Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020

A witness told CNN that the explosion occurred in front of his home. Buck McCoy said he saw three cars completely engulfed in flames. 

"There were trees stretched out everywhere, glass everywhere on the ground," he reported, adding that he saw several people who, although not injured, appeared to be in shock.