Eighteen people are missing after a blast at a military explosives manufacturing facility in Tennessee on Friday.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis reported that one person who was initially thought to be on-site was found safe at home. Several others were taken to a nearby hospital following the massive explosion that obliterated the factory.
There's nothing to describe, it's gone, Sheriff Davis remarked.
Located in Bucksnort, about 56 miles southwest of Nashville, the facility is known for the development, manufacture, handling, and storage of explosives. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Aerial images from the incident reveal extensive destruction, with charred debris and smoldering vehicles marking the site, owned by Accurate Energetic Systems. Sheriff Davis, visibly emotional during his press briefing, refrained from confirming any fatalities.
The explosion occurred during working hours, leading to concerns for the workers who had just begun their shifts. Davis emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, we're missing 19 souls. He later confirmed that all 19 individuals were still unaccounted for as additional blasts hindered rescue operations.
Witnesses from towns over 15 miles away reported feeling the blast, which threw debris across a half-mile radius. Davis stated, This was a massive enough explosion that folks in Waverly felt and heard it. He is withholding judgment on whether the explosion was accidental or intentional, prioritizing fact-finding.
Tennessee's Governor Bill Lee issued a statement regarding the tragic nature of the incident and confirmed that state and local agencies are working with federal authorities to assist, with the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on the scene.
As rescue efforts continue, Davis highlighted the emotional toll on the families of the missing. They are focusing on their families, their employees, he said about Accurate Energetic Systems, which has ceased operations temporarily. The company's workforce was estimated at around 75 individuals.
The scene prompted a vast response from emergency services, maintaining a strong presence to ensure ongoing investigations are stable and safe. The factory, which sat on approximately 1300 acres, was known for producing military-grade explosives like C-4 and TNT.
Authorities will maintain a presence in the area as they sift through the debris and piece together what led to the catastrophic event. This incident comes after a previous explosion at the same site in 2014, which resulted in multiple injuries and one death.
