An explosion ripped through the Accurate Energetic Systems explosives manufacturing facility near Bucksnort, Tennessee early Friday morning, leaving multiple people dead and dozens unaccounted for, local officials reported.
The blast, felt for miles, occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. local time at the company’s multi-building site near the Hickman-Humphreys County line. Authorities say one of the buildings appears to have been completely destroyed.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that several people have died and many others are currently unaccounted for. Emergency management director Odell Poyner said that up to 19 employees are missing.
Due to ongoing secondary explosions, first responders have been delayed in entering parts of the site. Sheriff Davis described the scene as “devastating” and urged patience from the public and media, while authorities focus on rescue and recovery efforts.
As investigations continue, the cause of the explosion remains unknown. Federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have joined state and local teams.
Officials have asked residents to avoid the area to allow unobstructed access for emergency crews.
