Tennessee Explosives Plant Blast: Sheriff Says 16 Dead; Two Previously Missing Found Off‑Site
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said 16 people have died after a powerful early‑morning blast at Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives‑manufacturing complex near Bucksnort about 60 miles west of Nashville, and two people previously reported missing were later found off‑site. Secondary detonations and unstable conditions have slowed a foot‑by‑foot recovery and investigation — roughly 300 responders, including ATF and DHS teams and rapid‑DNA specialists, are working the scene as officials secure the area and identify remains.
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📌 Key Facts
- Sheriff Chris Davis said the blast at the Accurate Energetic Systems explosives plant killed 16 people; two individuals who had been reported missing were later found off-site and were not at the explosion scene.
- The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. CT Friday at an eight‑building Accurate Energetic Systems complex near Bucksnort, about 60 miles west of Nashville near the Hickman/Humphreys county line off I‑40.
- One entire building was obliterated, debris and burning material were scattered for at least a half‑mile, vehicles were damaged, and shockwaves were felt miles away (reports say a dozen to 15+ miles); smoke was visible on local radar and in video/aerial footage.
- Responders have been working slowly and methodically — roughly 300 personnel on scene — because ongoing secondary detonations and volatile explosive material have prevented immediate entry; ambulance and medevac assets are staged for responder safety.
- Federal teams including ATF (which deployed its National Response Team of explosives and fire specialists) and DHS are assisting; ATF specialists and bomb technicians have been stabilizing the scene and investigators are clearing the site 'foot by foot.'
- Authorities recovered remains and have deployed a rapid DNA team to help identify victims; Sheriff Davis said no survivors have been found and families have been notified; officials cautioned the cause is unknown and that it could take days, weeks, or months to determine whether foul play was involved.
- Accurate Energetic Systems described the incident as a 'tragic accident,' is cooperating with investigators, and is a maker of bulk explosives and energetic products for military, aerospace and commercial markets (reports note past federal safety fines); the community has held vigils and state leaders are monitoring the situation.
📰 Sources (11)
16 people died in a blast at a Tennessee explosives factory early Friday, sheriff says
New information:
- Sheriff Chris Davis said, “We’ve recovered no survivors,” and described a foot‑by‑foot evidence search at the site.
- Roughly 300 responders are working the scene, with an ambulance and a medevac helicopter staged for responder safety.
- ATF supervisory special agent Guy McCormick said explosive specialists and bomb technicians are making the area safe for national ATF investigators, noting the scene can change due to heat and pressure.
- State officials brought in a rapid DNA team to help identify remains (reiterated in this account with on‑scene context).
- Community details: a vigil at Hurricane Chapel in McEwen with Pastor Tim Farris describing families’ grief; one passerby injured in the blast is recovering at home.
Sheriff Says 16 Dead in Blast at Tennessee Explosives Plant
New information:
- Sheriff Chris Davis said it is "safe to say" the 16 missing are dead and families have been notified.
- Two individuals earlier reported missing were located and were not on the explosion site.
- Explosion time specified as around 7:45 a.m. Friday.
- Accurate Energetic Systems called the incident a "tragic accident" and is cooperating; the blast encompassed an entire building.
- ATF reiterated it is assisting; investigators are clearing the site "foot by foot."
No survivors from blast at Tennessee explosives factory, sheriff says
New information:
- Sheriff Chris Davis said, “We’ve recovered no survivors,” indicating all missing are presumed dead.
- State has brought in a rapid DNA team to help identify remains recovered at the site.
- About 300 responders are operating slowly and methodically due to remaining volatile explosive material; ambulance and medevac helicopter are staged for responder safety.
- ATF supervisory special agent Guy McCormick said explosive specialists are stabilizing the scene before national ATF investigators enter.
- Cause remains unknown; sheriff said it could take days, weeks, or months before foul play is ruled out.
ATF deploys elite team after deadly Tennessee explosion; search on for 18 missing
New information:
- ATF confirms deployment of its National Response Team (NRT), describing it as an 'elite team' of explosives and fire investigation specialists arriving Saturday.
- ATF outlines NRT composition (special agents, certified explosives specialists, bomb technicians, fire protection engineers, chemists, etc.) and cites prior national‑level deployments (Pentagon 9/11, Centennial Olympic Park, Oklahoma City, 1993 WTC).
- Accurate Energetic Systems issues a public statement noting a 'tragic accident' at approximately 7:45 a.m. and that the investigation is ongoing.
- Authorities say 18 people remain missing; local sheriff calls the incident among the most devastating of his career.
- A missing worker is identified by local media as Jeremy Moore, with family quotes describing last contact.
Officials investigate blast at Tennessee explosives plant that left 18 missing and feared dead
New information:
- Officials now say 18 people are missing and feared dead; sheriff confirms multiple fatalities but withholds a precise toll.
- Sheriff Chris Davis describes the scene as among the worst he has seen; debris scattered over at least a half-mile and the blast was felt more than 15 miles away.
- Accurate Energetic Systems’ products and contracts detailed, including C4, landmines, and small breaching charges for U.S. Army and Navy.
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said he is monitoring the situation and asked for prayers; a community vigil was held Friday night.
- Company posted a statement expressing condolences and thanking first responders; article notes 2019 federal fines for worker-safety violations.
For families of the missing, an agonizing wait.
New information:
- Officials set the explosion time at around 7:45 a.m. CT and confirmed 19 workers remain missing.
- Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the site as "gone" and called it one of the most devastating scenes of his career.
- Human-impact details: families identified among those awaiting news include Rachel Woodall (early shift) and long‑time employee Jeremy Moore (nearly two decades), with relatives named (Nathan Birchard, Carolyn Harvey, Ava Hinson).
- Geographic specifics: plant sits ~60 miles west of Nashville near the Hickman/Humphreys county line just off I‑40; shockwaves felt a dozen miles away; smoke visible on local weather radar.
- Company context: NYT reiterates the operator is Accurate Energetic Systems, which manufactures energetic products for military, aerospace, and demolition markets, and is a significant local employer (per McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford).
Blast at Tennessee Explosives Plant Leaves Multiple People Dead
New information:
- ATF and the Department of Homeland Security are on scene assisting with the investigation, per Sheriff Chris Davis.
- Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed fatalities and said the 'devastating blast' encompassed one entire building on the site.
- Article specifies the plant’s location as about 60 miles west of Nashville and that law enforcement urged the public to avoid the area.
- Company context: Accurate Energetic Systems makes bulk explosives for commercial and military use.
Blast at a Tennessee explosives plant leaves multiple people dead and missing, sheriff says
New information:
- Sheriff Chris Davis said there are confirmed fatalities and several people unaccounted for.
- Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirmed injuries (no numbers yet) and said district coordinators have been deployed at the county’s request.
- Officials cautioned smaller secondary detonations may continue even as the site is secure from large blasts.
- Aerial footage (WTVF) shows a hilltop building obliterated with smoldering debris and burned-out vehicles.
- Facility details: Accurate Energetic Systems operates an eight‑building explosives manufacturing and test complex near Bucksnort, ~60 miles SW of Nashville.
- Local impact quotes: residents felt homes shake miles away; state Rep. Jody Barrett noted potential economic impact; McEwen mayor called it a community tragedy.
Tennessee manufacturing plant explosion leaves multiple people dead
New information:
- Officials confirm 'multiple' fatalities from the explosion.
- At least 19 people are missing, according to Humphreys County Emergency Management.
- Multiple individuals have been hospitalized.
- Blast occurred just before 8 a.m. near Bucksnort in Hickman County.
- Company identified as an explosives manufacturer serving defense and commercial markets.
Powerful blast at a Tennessee military explosives plant rattles homes miles away
New information:
- Emergency responders have not been able to enter the site because ongoing secondary explosions continue (per Advanced EMT David Stewart).
- ABC/AP includes on-the-record quotes from residents who felt homes shake miles away (e.g., Lobelville) and a named resident describing the impact.
- Video shows a burning debris field with smoke billowing; local TV (WTVF) images show debris and damaged vehicles in the lot.
- Sheriff’s Office publicly asked people to avoid the area to allow responders to work.
- Accurate Energetic Systems did not immediately respond to requests for comment.