No survivors are expected to be found after a major explosion at a Tennessee munitions factory on Friday that has left 18 people unaccounted for.
Recovery teams are still clinging to hope of finding any of the missing alive, but assume they are deceased, said Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis.
As we get into this, we find it even more devastating than we thought initially, he told a news conference.
It's still unclear what caused the explosion at the plant in Bucksnort, Tennessee - roughly 56 miles (90km) southwest of Nashville. The facility specializes in the development and manufacture of explosives.
More than 300 state and local first responders have been searching the site since Friday morning, Sheriff Davis said on Saturday. The expectation of anyone who's inside of that building… we can assume that they are deceased, he told media.
The FBI is conducting rapid DNA tests to identify victims and notify families. Additionally, officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Witnesses in the nearby community shared their shock as the explosion rattled homes over a wide area. Ann Myers, a local resident, described being awakened by the blast and fearing for her children’s safety.
Justin Stover, whose property borders the AES plant, recalled his house shaking violently, initially thinking it was a plane crash. Residents have begun assessing the damage, which could include not just property loss but a significant blow to the local economy as the facility employed many in the community.
The tragedy brings back memories of a previous fatal explosion at the same site in 2014, raising concerns regarding safety measures in place for such hazardous operations.
