In brief
In the wake of a devastating explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) factory in Bucksnort, Tennessee, community members have rallied together to honor the 16 individuals presumed dead. Candlelight vigils were held as residents mourned the loss of friends and family within their tight-knit community, sharing heartbreaking stories and supporting one another during this tragic time.
In Bucksnort, Tennessee, residents have spent a chilly autumn night heeding a simple message spraypainted on a concrete barrier by the side of the road: Pray for the AES families.
Community members gathered on Saturday for a candlelit vigil outside the Maple Valley Baptist Church after a blast at local explosives factory Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) left 16 people presumed dead.
This community of Hickman and Humphreys Counties is not huge, so that's a lot of people to lose in an instant, Deacon Danny Bates said to the approximately 40 attendees, who comforted each other and sang hymns such as It Is Well With My Soul.
Jerri Newcombe, vigil-goer, found herself mourning her friend of over 20 years, noting, It's just surreal, because she's gone and her babies are hurting, referring to the victim's children and grandchildren.
The tragedy of the AES factory explosion has left even local authorities like Sheriff Chris Davis emotional, as they pivot from rescue to recovery. At some point in time, we have got to rip off the Band-Aid, he said.
Meanwhile, nearby community churches and residents emphasize their closeness, offering support and kind words in the face of overwhelming loss. Tiffany Story summed it up well by saying, With everybody being so close, it's very comforting to have family. That's what we are - whether [by] blood, not blood, this whole community is family.
As investigations remain ongoing, the community continues to unite in prayer and support for those affected by this devastating incident.
