Eighteen people are missing after a blast at a military explosives manufacturing facility in Tennessee on Friday. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that one person initially thought to be present had been located at home. Four or five others were taken to a nearby hospital following the huge explosion that destroyed the factory.
Sheriff Davis described the scene, stating, There's nothing to describe, it's gone. The facility in Bucksnort specializes in the development, manufacture, handling, and storage of explosives. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Aerial footage revealed extensive damage, with charred debris and smoldering vehicles visible. Sheriff Davis expressed his concern during a media briefing, emphasizing the lost lives, stating, we're missing 19 souls.
The explosion occurred while workers were beginning their shifts, with secondary blasts complicating the response efforts as emergency personnel were forced to maintain distance. Local residents felt the explosion up to 20 miles away, prompting a broad response from state and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee remarked on the tragedy on social media, vowing that state and local authorities were collaborating with federal entities on the response.
TriStar Health reported treating multiple individuals, with at least one hospital still managing a patient with minor injuries from the explosion. The Accurate Energetic Systems plant, which employed approximately 75 people, has ceased operations as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Davis indicated that they are taking every measure to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident while recognizing the need for a thorough and careful investigation.
Sheriff Davis described the scene, stating, There's nothing to describe, it's gone. The facility in Bucksnort specializes in the development, manufacture, handling, and storage of explosives. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Aerial footage revealed extensive damage, with charred debris and smoldering vehicles visible. Sheriff Davis expressed his concern during a media briefing, emphasizing the lost lives, stating, we're missing 19 souls.
The explosion occurred while workers were beginning their shifts, with secondary blasts complicating the response efforts as emergency personnel were forced to maintain distance. Local residents felt the explosion up to 20 miles away, prompting a broad response from state and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee remarked on the tragedy on social media, vowing that state and local authorities were collaborating with federal entities on the response.
TriStar Health reported treating multiple individuals, with at least one hospital still managing a patient with minor injuries from the explosion. The Accurate Energetic Systems plant, which employed approximately 75 people, has ceased operations as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Davis indicated that they are taking every measure to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident while recognizing the need for a thorough and careful investigation.
