NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) – A Nashville chef and her boyfriend are displaced from their apartment after the Christmas attack.
Jess Lambert said there was significant smoke and water damage to broken pipes when they evacuated after the trailer exploded.
“Everyone in my building was in the lobby, like zombies, we didn’t know what was going on,” said Lambert.
She lives in Lofts 160 above the Old Spaghetti Factory.
“With the explosion, the glass broke over me, so I have very small cuts across my body,” said Lambert.
She was able to evacuate safely.
“It was just the fight or flight mode,” she said.
Her neighbor and boyfriend, Süleyman Can Kinaç, took the video of the destruction on her cell phone. She is grateful that no innocent person was killed and she does not want the bomber to receive more attention.
“I don’t want to empower the whole situation. It’s horrible, it’s a tragedy, ”said Lambert.
At this point, it is not clear which buildings are OK and which will be condemned, as Metro code officials are not yet able to enter the site.
“I don’t know if there’s anything recoverable there,” said Lambert.
As a worker in the restaurant industry, the Christmas attack is another blow to a difficult year due to the closure of COVID-19. She fears that her apartment will be a total loss.
“I don’t know if I’ll be allowed to go back there, I hope we know more in the next few days,” said Lambert.
A friend at the Etch restaurant, where Lambert works, made her a GoFundMe account while the restaurant community is gathering around her during this difficult time.
“I am very grateful and I feel very loved,” said Lambert.
As she takes steps to rebuild her life, she has faith that Second Avenue will one day be the same as it was before.
“I love this city, it’s a horrible thing that happened, and I know that Nashville can be rebuilt after that,” said Lambert.
They started the insurance process, but it is unclear what will be covered. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to residents, as well as people who have declared a nearby hostel. Displaced residents can reach them at 1-800-REDCROSS.