McEWEN, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities have identified the 16 individuals who lost their lives in the explosion at a rural Tennessee explosives plant last week. The blast at Accurate Energetic Systems, known for supplying military explosives, shocked the tight-knit community. Sheriff Chris Davis noted that many residents are connected to the victims.
It’s just small county, rural America, where everybody knows each other and everybody’s gonna take care of each other, he said. As the community turns to faith for solace, one church mourned the loss of its pastor, Trent Stewart, with services changed to a time of prayer.
The church, The Log Church in Waverly, saw a large turnout of supporters honoring Stewart, with his fiancée expressing gratitude for the community’s response.
Grief also intensified for families impacted by the blast. Reyna Gillahan was remembered by her daughter as a selfless woman with dreams of family legacy, prompting fundraising efforts to assist others affected.
During a news conference, sheriff officials revealed the names of the victims, highlighting the scope of the tragedy amidst growing community support. The explosion, felt up to 20 miles away, leaves a wreckage that authorities are cautiously clearing to begin their investigation into the cause.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have labeled the process as complex, akin to putting together a puzzle given the scattered debris and evidence from the site.
Reportedly, the plant employs many locals, offering jobs that pay well considering the required skills, but hazards persist in the volatile environment of explosives manufacturing. As this community begins its healing journey, the investigation aims to unearth more details about this tragic incident.
It’s just small county, rural America, where everybody knows each other and everybody’s gonna take care of each other, he said. As the community turns to faith for solace, one church mourned the loss of its pastor, Trent Stewart, with services changed to a time of prayer.
The church, The Log Church in Waverly, saw a large turnout of supporters honoring Stewart, with his fiancée expressing gratitude for the community’s response.
Grief also intensified for families impacted by the blast. Reyna Gillahan was remembered by her daughter as a selfless woman with dreams of family legacy, prompting fundraising efforts to assist others affected.
During a news conference, sheriff officials revealed the names of the victims, highlighting the scope of the tragedy amidst growing community support. The explosion, felt up to 20 miles away, leaves a wreckage that authorities are cautiously clearing to begin their investigation into the cause.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have labeled the process as complex, akin to putting together a puzzle given the scattered debris and evidence from the site.
Reportedly, the plant employs many locals, offering jobs that pay well considering the required skills, but hazards persist in the volatile environment of explosives manufacturing. As this community begins its healing journey, the investigation aims to unearth more details about this tragic incident.
