Suspicious Incendiary Device Discovered Near Blue Ridge Parkway Triggers Evacuation
Rangers and agencies evacuate Blue Ridge Parkway amid suspicious device threat near Asheville.
Rangers with the National Park Service responded swiftly on Sunday after receiving a report of a suspicious item discovered in the dirt along the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville, North Carolina. The device was located in close proximity to the intersection by the Folk Art Center around 11:45 a.m., prompting immediate action from authorities to secure the area and ensure public safety.
Upon arrival, rangers quickly coordinated with specialized units, including the Asheville Police Department Bomb Squad, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Fire and emergency crews from Asheville and neighboring Riceville also arrived at the scene to provide additional support. As a precaution, the Folk Art Center was evacuated and a section of the parkway was temporarily closed while responders assessed the situation.
After careful investigation by bomb specialists, the suspicious object was safely removed without further incident. According to officials, the device has been classified as an "Improvised Incendiary Device". Authorities have confirmed there is currently no ongoing threat to the public, and normal activities have since resumed in the affected areas.
The National Park Service’s investigative services branch is actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials have urged anyone with information related to the device or any suspicious activity in the area to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via phone or online, as the investigation continues.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, constructed nearly nine decades ago at Cumberland Knob near the Virginia border, is a cherished roadway that winds for 460 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. The parkway is renowned for its stunning vistas, cultural attractions, and significance to both local communities and visitors from across the nation.
Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers travelers breathtaking overlooks, abundant hiking trails, and access to historic towns and vibrant mountain culture. Despite this weekend's disruption, authorities emphasized that the parkway remains a safe and welcoming destination for all visitors, and efforts continue to protect its natural beauty and the well-being of those who travel its scenic routes.
