A massive explosion at an explosives facility an hour southwest of Nashville on Friday morning has left 19 people dead or unaccounted for, according to authorities. The blast, which occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems, LLC, obliterated a building and rattled homes for miles around.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed the grim toll at an afternoon news conference. “I can tell you that we’re missing 19 souls,” Sheriff Davis said, adding earlier that responders could confirm some fatalities among the “unaccounted for” individuals.
The devastating incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time at the facility, which sits on the border of Hickman and Humphreys Counties. Local officials reported the initial explosion set off smaller, subsequent blasts.
While the loss of life and missing persons count is high, three people sustained minor injuries in the explosion and were treated at TriStar medical facilities in Dickson. Two have since been released, and one remains in an emergency room, according to Casey Stapp, a spokesperson for TriStar Health.
Accurate Energetic Systems, which specializes in manufacturing military and demolition explosives, including a recent nearly $120 million contract for TNT with the U.S. Department of Defense, employs about 80 people. However, Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates said it remains unclear how many employees were in the completely destroyed building at the time of the blast.
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The facility, which sits on a 1,300-acre campus, is a beloved and prominent employer in the community, according to Tennessee state Sen. Kerry Roberts. “This is going to have a devastating impact on quite a few families… it is heartbreaking,” Roberts said.
Due to the severity of the incident, numerous law enforcement resources from across the state have been dispatched to the remote area to assist with the investigation and scene security. These resources include federal agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit.
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