Multiple people are confirmed dead and at least 19 others are missing following a “devastating” explosion at a military explosives manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
The blast occurred just before 8am local time on Friday at Accurate Energetic Systems in the Bucksnort area, approximately 60 miles southwest of Nashville. Emergency services are currently at the scene, though secondary explosions have prevented first responders from fully accessing the site.
Casualties Confirmed
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed to reporters that there are “some” fatalities, stating: “We do have some folks, we can confirm that we do have some that are deceased.”
An official with Humphrey County Emergency Management said at least 19 people are unaccounted for, with multiple others hospitalised. Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates told ABC News that at least 13 people remain missing.
The explosion happened close to the regular shift change at the facility, potentially increasing the number of people present at the time of the blast.
Emergency Response Hampered
Emergency responders have been unable to fully access the site due to ongoing secondary explosions. Hickman County Advanced EMT David Stewart told the Associated Press that responders could not yet enter because explosions continue to occur.
The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident in a statement: “We can confirm there has been an explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in the Bucksnort area. Emergency services are currently on the scene working to address the situation.”
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has closed SR 230, also known as Tanyard Branch Road, north of I-40 in the Bucksnort area.
Blast Felt Miles Away
The powerful explosion rattled homes miles from the facility, with residents reporting feeling the impact across southern Williamson County and southern Maury County.
“I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,” Gentry Stover, who lives near the facility, told the Associated Press. “I live very close to Accurate and I realised about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.”
Doorbell camera footage captured approximately 20 miles away in Lobelville showed the moment of the explosion, with loud booms audible before the camera shook. Some residents initially thought an earthquake had occurred when they felt the tremors.
Military Explosives Facility
Accurate Energetic Systems, established in 1980, specialises in the development, manufacture, handling, and storage of high-quality energetic products for both defence and commercial markets. The company produces various high explosive compositions and specialty products for the U.S. military, as well as products for aerospace, demolition, and mining industries.
The facility is located on the border of Hickman and Humphreys counties. According to its website, the company handles bulk military explosives and demolition charges among other explosive materials.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) are on scene assisting with the investigation.
Family members of those potentially affected have been asked by Emergency Management officials to report to Gate 3 at the facility.
McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford described the incident as “a tragedy for our community” in an email statement.
Sheriff Davis emphasised that authorities are “trying to be mindful of families and that situation” as they work to account for all personnel who may have been at the facility.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has dispatched a district coordinator to assist with response efforts.
This is a developing story with updates expected as more information becomes available from authorities at the scene.
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