McEWEN, Tenn. (AP) - Authorities are currently investigating a devastating explosion that occurred at an explosives manufacturing plant in rural Tennessee. The blast took place on Friday morning at Accurate Energetic Systems, which specializes in providing and researching explosives for military use. As of Saturday, families of the 18 individuals who are missing and feared dead are anxiously waiting for further information from officials.
The explosion scattered debris over a vast area of at least a half-mile and was felt by residents up to 15 miles away, according to Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis. Aerial footage of the hilltop facility showed a smoldering site filled with twisted metal, burned-out vehicles, and an extensive array of debris. Sheriff Davis described the scene as one of the worst he has ever witnessed and mentioned that multiple fatalities have occurred. However, he refrained from providing a specific death toll, referring to the missing individuals as "souls" due to ongoing communication with family members.
Accurate Energetic Systems operates an eight-building facility located approximately 60 miles southwest of Nashville in Bucksnort, Tennessee. The exact number of employees present at the time of the explosion remains unclear. Investigators are actively working to determine the cause of the explosion but have yet to disclose any findings.
In a statement shared on social media, Accurate Energetic Systems expressed their heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the families and the community affected by this tragic incident. They also extended gratitude to first responders who have been tirelessly working under challenging conditions. The company has a history of securing military contracts with the U.S. Army and Navy, supplying a range of munitions and explosives, including C4 and landmines.
Residents in the nearby town of Lobelville, roughly a 20-minute drive from the explosion site, reported feeling their homes shake. Some even captured the sound of the explosion on their home cameras. Local resident Gentry Stover recounted that the blast rattled him from his sleep, initially leading him to believe his house had collapsed.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee took to social media platform X to express his concern and monitor the situation, urging Tennesseans to join him in prayer for those impacted by the tragedy. A small vigil was organized that evening at a local park, where community members gathered, holding candles, praying for the missing individuals and their families, and singing "Amazing Grace."
The United States has a troubling history of deadly workplace accidents, including the infamous Monongah coal mine explosion in 1907 that claimed the lives of 362 workers. The occurrence of several significant industrial accidents in the 1960s prompted President Richard Nixon to sign legislation establishing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the following year. In 2019, Accurate Energetic Systems had faced minor fines from the U.S. Department of Labor for various violations related to worker safety and hazardous materials. Additionally, a previous explosion at another ammunition facility within the same community in 2014 resulted in one death and multiple injuries.
