GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – The City of Gatlinburg said Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies was evacuated Saturday afternoon after a bomb threat was reported.
According to Seth Butler with the City of Gatlinburg, the aquarium was evacuated immediately after the bomb threat was called in. Additionally, River Road at the intersection of Parkway and Greystone Heights Road around the aquarium were temporarily closed.
In an update Saturday evening, Butler said both the inside and outside of the aquarium were searched, and no credible threat or evidence of an explosive device was found. As a result, all roads around the aquarium reopened.
Butler said an investigation into the source of the threat remains ongoing.
Numerous agencies responded to the threat, including the Gatlinburg Police Department, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Pigeon Forge Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
