A large explosion at a military-grade explosives factory in Hickman County, Tennessee, has left an undetermined number of people dead and 19 listed as missing, officials said. The blast occurred on October 10 at a facility operated by Accurate Energetic Systems in the Baksnort area of Hickman County.
Key facts:
Nineteen people are currently reported missing, Sheriff Chris Davis told reporters.
Officials confirmed there are fatalities but have not released an exact death toll.
Aerial footage shown by U.S. media indicated extensive destruction across the site, with burned and destroyed vehicles scattered around the facility.
Emergency responders warned the public to avoid the area because of the risk of secondary explosions.
The sheriff described the scene as completely destroyed, calling it “the most devastating scene I’ve seen in my career.”
Accurate Energetic Systems, founded in 1980 and a supplier of high-explosive compositions and specialty products to the U.S. defense sector, had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
Local authorities said search-and-rescue and emergency teams remain on site and are working to account for missing workers and secure the area. Official updates are expected as investigations and rescue operations continue.
