multiple dead, missing in blast at munitions factory
– McEwen: An explosion at a military munitions factory in Tennessee left scores dead and missing on Friday, while secondary explosions forced rescuers to stay away from the burning debris field, authorities said.
The explosion, which people reported hearing and feeling from miles away, occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems in rural Tennessee. The company’s website says it manufactures and tests explosives at an eight-building facility spread across forested hills near the town of Bucksnort, about 60 miles southwest of Nashville.
Smoke fills the air as debris covers the ground and vehicles following a powerful explosion at a military explosives manufacturing facility in Hickman County, Tennessee.Credit: access point
“There are a few individuals whose names are not being released at this time. We’re trying to be careful with the families and this situation,” Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at a news conference. “We also have dead people”
Stating that the cause of the explosion is not yet known, Davis said that the investigation may take days.
Aerial footage captured afterward by WTVF-TV showed the explosion destroyed one of the facility’s overhead buildings, leaving only smoldering debris and burnt vehicle shells.
The sheriff added that although the scene was safe from large explosions, smaller explosions could still be heard.
The explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems in rural Tennessee.Credit: access point
Emergency crews were initially unable to enter the facility due to ongoing explosions, Hickman County Advanced Emergency Services Team David Stewart said by phone. He did not provide detailed information about the losses.
Accurate Energetic Systems, based in nearby McEwan, did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment Friday morning.
