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Overton County responders find no blast after evacuation order
Tennessee emergency officials say investigators found no fire or explosion after reports of a possible blast prompted an evacuation in Overton County on Wednesday. The investigation remains open, and officials have not explained what triggered the reports.
Responders found no fire or explosion in Overton County after reports of a possible blast prompted an emergency response and evacuation order Wednesday, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said.
TEMA said a district coordinator joined local responders at the scene. The agency is continuing to coordinate with county and local officials, and the investigation remains open. Officials have not said what prompted the initial reports.
The evacuation order was later canceled. TEMA also said a gas line had been shut off while crews assessed the situation. The agency urged residents to continue following directions from local officials.
The response disrupted school transportation and activities. Wilson Elementary School said Hanging Limb Highway had reopened by about 1:15 p.m., while Muddy Pond Road remained closed. Buses were not running, and the school canceled its after-school program and practices for the day, asking parents to arrange student pickup.
Officials did not provide information about any injuries.