In Bucksnort, Tennessee, community members held a candlelit vigil outside the Maple Valley Baptist Church for the 16 people presumed dead following an explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) factory. Attendees gathered to show support for the victims’ families, reflecting on the profound impact of this incident in a small town where such losses resonate deeply.
Local residents voiced their grief and shared personal connections to the victims. Jerri Newcombe, who had known one of the deceased for over 20 years, highlighted the loss felt not just by friends but also by the children and grandchildren of the victims. The emotional gathering served as an outlet for communal mourning, as attendees sang hymns in remembrance.
The explosion occurred on Friday, prompting significant emergency response efforts, including the deployment of approximately 300 first responders. Following two days of searching without any signs of survivors, local authorities transitioned from rescue to recovery efforts, indicating a shift in approach as the situation became clearer. Sheriff Chris Davis mentioned the need for closure for the families involved.
While the precise cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the volatile nature of the materials involved has complicated response efforts. Controlled detonations may be necessary to secure the site further. The ATF indicated that it could take up to a month for federal investigators to fully assess the area.
The AES factory is one of the few providing stable employment in the region. Prior incidents at the facility have occurred, including a fatal explosion in 2014. Nevertheless, residents generally maintained a positive view of the company, affirming there had been no previous reports of unsafe conditions. The community continues to support each other in this tragic time, emphasizing their close-knit nature and shared hardships.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy8y0rnw2eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss