Authorities in Tennessee say several people have died and at least 19 others remain missing after a powerful explosion tore through an explosives manufacturing facility early Friday morning.
According to Fox News, the blast occurred around 8 a.m. local time at Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives manufacturer near Bucksnort, roughly 50 miles west of Nashville.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that there were fatalities. “We do have some folks, we can confirm that we do have some that are deceased,” Davis told reporters during a press conference. He declined to provide a specific number, citing the ongoing investigation.
“This is not going to be something that we’re going to be like a car wreck or something like that — that we’re just going to clean up the debris and leave,” Davis added. “We’re going to probably be here for a few days.”
Local officials said at least 19 people remain unaccounted for, and multiple others have been hospitalized following the explosion. Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to the scene as thick smoke filled the air.
Residents miles away reported feeling the ground shake from the blast.
Gentry Stover, who lives nearby in Lobelville, said the explosion jolted him awake. “I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,” he told the Associated Press. “I live very close to Accurate and I realized about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.”
State Rep. Jody Barrett, a Republican from the nearby town of Dickson, said the explosion was powerful enough to be felt 15 miles away. “We absolutely heard it at the house,” Barrett said. “It sounded like something going through the roof of our house.”
Barrett also expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the tragedy. “This facility is a major employer in the area,” he said.
According to its website, Accurate Energetic Systems is “dedicated to the development, manufacture, handling, and storage of high-quality energetic products utilized in both defense and commercial markets.” The company’s clients reportedly include the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, according to the Association of the United States Army.
The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to avoid the area as emergency responders continue recovery efforts and investigate the cause of the explosion.
Officials have not yet confirmed the total number of fatalities or the identities of the victims. The investigation into what caused the deadly blast remains ongoing.
