A massive explosion ripped through an explosives plant in rural Tennessee on Friday, leaving behind a scene of destruction, with twisted metal and burnt-out car shells. At least 18 individuals are missing and feared dead in the aftermath, according to authorities.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the devastation at Accurate Energetic Systems, a facility that specializes in supplying and researching explosives for military purposes, as indescribable. The sheriff, who personally knows three families affected by the tragedy, called it one of the worst scenes he has ever witnessed.
While confirming multiple fatalities, Davis refrained from specifying the exact number of casualties. Initially, 19 individuals were reported missing, but by Friday night, one person believed to be on-site was found safe at their home.
The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time, causing a significant impact felt over 24 kilometers away. Aerial footage revealed the smoldering and smoky aftermath at the hilltop location of the company, with debris scattered across a half-mile area.
Accurate Energetic Systems, situated in McEwen, Tennessee, operates an eight-building facility that processes explosives and ammunition in the Bucksnort region, approximately 97 kilometers southwest of Nashville. The exact number of employees present during the explosion remains unknown.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the blast, as emergency crews initially faced challenges entering the plant due to ongoing detonations. However, by Friday afternoon, the situation was deemed under control, with no further risk of explosions.
The company, in a post on LinkedIn, expressed condolences to the affected families and community, acknowledging the tireless efforts of first responders amid the tragic circumstances. Accurate Energetic Systems has a history of securing military contracts, primarily with the U.S. army and navy, for supplying various munitions and explosives.
Residents in nearby Lobelville reported feeling their homes shake during the explosion, with some capturing the intense sound on home cameras. The incident startled Gentry Stover from his sleep, causing him to initially believe his house had collapsed.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee urged citizens to offer prayers for the affected families, emphasizing the need for support during the trying times. State Rep. Jody Barrett expressed concerns about the potential economic repercussions on the region, given the plant’s significance as a major employer.
A vigil was held at a nearby park, where attendees prayed and sang hymns for the missing individuals and their families. The tragic incident underscores the historical challenges of workplace safety in the U.S., with past incidents like the Monongah coal mine disaster in West Virginia in 1907 shaping safety regulations.
Accurate Energetic Systems faced minor fines in 2019 from the U.S. Department of Labor for violations related to worker safety. Additionally, a previous explosion at an ammunition facility in the same locality in 2014 resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.