Authorities in Tennessee said Saturday that no survivors have been recovered from the explosion at a weapons manufacturing plant. The incident happened Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant, which manufactures explosives for the military, along with the space, demolition and oil industries.
Recovery and identification efforts underway
During a news conference Saturday, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said investigators believe everyone who was at the plant at the time of the explosion is dead. It’s unclear how many people were killed, though the number from officials has hovered around 20.
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According to local media outlet WBTV, Davis said “Anyone inside the building, we can assume they are deceased.” At this point, Davis added, authorities are working to recover and identify all of the remains.
The site is “not like working an accident” or a tornado, Davis said.
“We’re dealing with explosions,” he said. “And I would say at this time, we’re dealing with remains.”
Massive explosion felt for miles
Around 7:50 a.m. local time Friday, an explosion was reported at the Accurate Energetic Systems site. According to officials, the explosion was so large that it decimated an entire building.
The explosion released a plume of smoke that was caught on local weather cameras, as doorbell video from miles away also captured the noise of the blast. Homes within more than a 15-mile radius shook following the explosion.
Federal authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), opened an investigation into the explosion. WBTV reported that a total of 18 agencies –– from the federal, state and local level –– will join the effort.
While there is reportedly no risk of subsequent explosions or fallout, officials said they expect to remain in the area for the next few days as they work to determine what triggered the incident.
According to The Associated Press, Accurate Energetic Systems is a defense contractor that has worked with the U.S. Army and Navy in the past. The company manufactures various types of munitions, including bulk explosives and landmines.
“We are monitoring the ongoing situation in Hickman County & state agencies are responding in partnership with local & federal agencies,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee posted to X on Friday. “We ask Tennesseans to join us in prayer for the families impacted by this tragic incident.”
