Authorities in Tennessee said Saturday they believe no one survived a massive explosion that tore through a defense contractor’s munitions plant Friday morning.
The blast occurred around 7:50 a.m. Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) facility in Humphreys County, about 60 miles southwest of Nashville. The explosion completely destroyed one building on the company’s property and was felt for miles, shaking homes and rattling nerves across the region.
During a press conference Saturday, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that recovery operations are underway, but investigators “assume there are no survivors.”
“Anyone inside the building, we can assume they are deceased,” Davis said. “We’re dealing with explosions. And I would say at this time, we’re dealing with remains.”
Authorities have not released an official death toll, but local media outlets report that as many as 20 employees may have been inside the building when the blast occurred.
Massive Blast Felt Miles Away
Residents in neighboring counties reported feeling the shockwave more than 15 miles from the site. Doorbell and weather cameras captured the explosion’s powerful plume of smoke rising into the air, while others recorded a thunderous boom that echoed across the countryside.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene Friday morning, but responders found the building completely leveled. Sheriff Davis described the site as a challenging and dangerous recovery zone.
“This is not like working an accident or a tornado,” Davis said. “We’re dealing with explosives and unstable debris. It’s a slow, careful process.”
Investigation Underway
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Federal authorities, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), are leading a joint inquiry.
Officials said there is no current danger of additional explosions or chemical fallout but warned that the investigation and cleanup would take several days. In total, 18 agencies from federal, state, and local levels have joined the effort.
About the Company
Accurate Energetic Systems is a longtime defense contractor known for manufacturing explosives for the U.S. Army and Navy, as well as for use in the space, demolition, and oil industries. The company produces a range of munitions, including bulk explosives and landmines.
The plant, located near the small town of McEwen, has operated for decades and has previously been cited for minor safety incidents, though no recent major violations have been reported.
State Response and Community Impact
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said state agencies are working closely with local and federal partners as the investigation continues.
“We are monitoring the ongoing situation in Hickman County & state agencies are responding in partnership with local & federal agencies,” Lee posted on X Friday. “We ask Tennesseans to join us in prayer for the families impacted by this tragic incident.”
Counseling and crisis services have been made available for families of the missing workers and for first responders on scene.
As the recovery continues, authorities say their focus remains on identifying the victims and supporting the affected families.
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