Multiple people have been killed and several others remain missing after a powerful explosion ripped through a Tennessee military munitions plant early Friday morning.
The blast occurred at 7:45 a.m. local time at Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County, sparking intense secondary explosions that forced rescuers to retreat from the burning site, according to the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office.
“We do have several people at this time unaccounted for,” Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said during a press briefing. “We can confirm that we do have some that are deceased. We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation.”
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Footage from the scene showed towering plumes of black smoke and flames engulfing a large debris field. Emergency crews were initially unable to enter the facility because of the continuing detonations.
Residents in nearby Lobelville, about 20 minutes from the blast site, reported feeling their homes shake. Some captured the thunderous explosion on home security cameras.
“I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,” said Gentry Stover, a local resident. “I live very close to Accurate and realised about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.”
Accurate Energetic Systems is a defense contractor that manufactures explosives for the U.S. military. The plant has experienced previous safety incidents, though none on this scale in recent years.
Federal agencies, including the ATF and OSHA, are on the ground assisting local law enforcement and fire officials. A full investigation is underway.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area as emergency crews work to stabilize the site. Identification of victims is pending notification of families.
