A powerful explosion at an explosives manufacturing plant in rural Tennessee on Friday left 18 people missing and presumed dead, according to local authorities. The blast destroyed the facility and left behind a scene of devastation, including mangled debris and burned-out vehicles.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the aftermath at Accurate Energetic Systems — a company that develops and supplies explosives to the military — as total destruction. “There’s nothing left,” Davis said, calling it one of the most devastating incidents he has witnessed. Personally affected, Davis said he knows three of the families impacted. While confirming fatalities, he did not provide an exact number and referred to the missing as “souls” out of respect for the families.
Initially, 19 people were reported missing, but the count was later revised to 18 after one individual was found safe at home.
The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m., and aerial footage revealed smoke rising from the site, with debris spread across a half-mile radius. The force of the blast was felt up to 15 miles away.
Accurate Energetic Systems operates an eight-building complex in a wooded area near Bucksnort, roughly 60 miles southwest of Nashville. It is still unclear how many workers were on-site at the time of the explosion.
The cause of the blast remains unknown. Emergency responders were initially prevented from entering the site due to ongoing smaller explosions. By the afternoon, officials confirmed the area was secured and no longer posed further risk.
In a social media post, the company expressed sympathy for those affected and thanked emergency responders for their efforts.
Public records show that the company holds multiple contracts with the U.S. Army and Navy, supplying a range of military-grade explosives, including C4 and landmines.
Nearby residents reported feeling the explosion, with some capturing the sound on home security footage. Gentry Stover, who lives close to the site, said he was jolted awake, thinking his house had collapsed.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee acknowledged the incident on social media, urging prayers for the affected families. State Representative Jody Barrett expressed concern about the economic impact, as the plant is a significant local employer.
That evening, community members gathered for a candlelight vigil, singing “Amazing Grace” and praying for the missing and their loved ones.
The U.S. has a history of tragic industrial accidents, such as the 1907 Monongah mine disaster and others that led to the creation of OSHA in the 1970s. In 2019, Accurate Energetic Systems was fined for safety violations, and in 2014, a separate ammunition facility in the same area experienced a deadly explosion that killed one and injured several others.