A significant explosion occurred at an explosives factory in rural Tennessee, resulting in no survivors among the 18 individuals who were reported missing. The blast took place at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in Bucksnort, near McEwen, early on Friday. Initially, the number of those feared dead was reported as 19, but that figure was later adjusted.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis addressed the media, stating that authorities had shifted their focus from rescue efforts to recovery, assuming that anyone inside the plant at the time of the explosion did not survive. The explosion caused substantial damage, leveling a building at the 1,300-acre facility, and was powerful enough to be felt from a considerable distance.
As of Saturday afternoon, over 300 first responders and investigators were working at the scene, but they had not been able to confirm any survivors. Sheriff Davis highlighted the community’s loss, indicating that he and other local officials knew some victims personally. The death toll remains unconfirmed, but officials are using DNA testing to identify the deceased.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing and involves local law enforcement as well as federal agencies such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The presence of explosives at the site has complicated the recovery efforts, with initial responders facing challenges due to secondary explosions.
AES manufactures explosives for military, aerospace, and commercial purposes. Previously, in 2014, a smaller incident at the same facility resulted in one death and several injuries. The company has expressed condolences to those affected by the recent explosion.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/11/no-survivors-tennessee-explosives-factory