A devastating explosion at a military explosives manufacturing facility in Tennessee has left 19 people missing as search and rescue efforts continue. The explosion occurred on Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant located in Bucksnort, around 56 miles southwest of Nashville, triggering an immediate response from state and federal authorities.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that one person initially believed to be on site had since been found at home. However, four or five others were hospitalized after the blast, which obliterated parts of the facility.
There's nothing to describe, it's gone, Sheriff Davis stated, conveying the severity of the incident. The factory specializes in the production, handling, and storage of explosives, and the cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Aerial footage from the scene showed extensive damage, with charred debris and smoldering vehicles littering the area. The explosion was reported to have flung debris across a half-square mile, and residents in nearby towns felt the force of the blast.
Workers who had just started their day at the factory are now feared lost or deceased. During press briefings, an emotional Davis emphasized, we're missing 19 souls, highlighting the grim reality for families awaiting news about their loved ones.
Governor Bill Lee, addressing the incident via social media, labeled the explosion a tragic incident and confirmed that local and state authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to navigate the situation. Operations at the facility have been halted following the explosion, which occurred on Hickman and Humphreys County borders.
As investigators sift through the wreckage, the local authorities have secured the site, and multiple teams are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion. This includes examining the involvement of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The event has drawn attention to the risks associated with munitions manufacturing, with experts noting the high-hazard nature of the industry when regulations are not properly followed. Just a few years earlier, in 2014, a similar explosion occurred at the same site, resulting in casualties and injuries.
