A devastating explosion at a Tennessee explosives factory resulted in the tragic loss of 16 lives, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The death toll was revised down after two individuals who were previously unaccounted for were located alive. The explosion occurred on Friday at a facility owned by Accurate Energetic Systems in Bucksnort, known for producing explosives used in military and demolition applications.
The blast obliterated an entire building within the factory’s extensive premises, causing widespread damage that was felt miles away, with debris scattered in the vicinity. Following initial reports suggesting 18 casualties, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis clarified, “we have been able to locate and determine the two other folks (were) not on the site.” The missing individuals were presumed deceased as their vehicle and personal belongings were discovered at the scene.
Accurate Energetic Systems described the incident as “a tragic accident” in a released statement. Despite ongoing investigations, Brice McCracken, a representative from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, disclosed that authorities have yet to ascertain the cause of the explosion. DNA testing will be utilized to identify the recovered remains of the victims.