A powerful explosion reportedly tore through a Tennessee explosives manufacturing plant early Friday morning, leaving several people dead and nearly 20 others unaccounted for in what authorities described as a “very violent” blast.
The explosion occurred just before 8 a.m. at Accurate Energetic Systems, a company that produces high-grade explosives for both defense and commercial markets.
The facility is located in Hickman County, roughly 60 miles southwest of Nashville. Local officials confirmed that “several” fatalities had been reported and that at least 19 people remained missing as emergency crews combed through the wreckage.
Federal and local agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), quickly responded to the scene.
The Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office joined Hickman County authorities in the search-and-rescue operation, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster.
“This was a very violent explosion,” said Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis during a Friday morning press conference. “It encompassed one whole building.” Davis added that law enforcement and fire officials have secured the area and are working to ensure there is no risk of secondary explosions. “We’re focused on safety first and foremost — for our responders and for the community,” he said.
Authorities said they are in the process of identifying the victims and notifying their families before releasing additional information about those killed or missing. “This is a tragedy for a small community,” one local official said, describing the plant as a major employer in the region.
Accurate Energetic Systems, founded in 1980, describes itself as a producer of “high-grade explosives for demolition” with a focus on “rigorous quality and safety standards.” The company’s website states that it supplies both defense and commercial markets — a reminder of the delicate balance between industrial production and the safety risks that accompany it.
The explosion was reportedly powerful enough to be felt miles away, with residents describing the blast as shaking their homes and sounding like “a bomb going off.” Thick smoke billowed from the site for much of the morning as first responders worked to extinguish fires and search for survivors.
While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, federal officials emphasized that the immediate priority is recovery and safety.
Investigators from the ATF and DHS will coordinate with local authorities to determine what led to the blast, reviewing whether human error, equipment malfunction, or other factors played a role.
For many in Hickman County, the explosion represents both a human and economic loss. The plant has long been a part of the local economy, providing manufacturing jobs in a region where industrial opportunities are scarce. As emergency workers continue their search, residents have gathered in nearby churches and community centers, offering support for families awaiting word on their loved ones.
Sheriff Davis summed up the mood in the area: “Our hearts are broken today. We’re praying for every worker, every family, and every responder out here.”
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