By Fatima Mukhtar
A powerful explosion at a munitions manufacturing plant in Tennessee, United States, has left at least sixteen people dead, with no survivors found, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The blast occurred on Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) facility, located near McEwen in Humphreys County. The factory produces military-grade explosives used in defense, aerospace, and commercial demolition.
According to officials, the explosion completely destroyed the main production building, scattering debris across a wide area and shaking homes miles away. Emergency responders described the scene as “devastating,” noting that rescue operations have now shifted to recovery as hopes of finding survivors have faded.
Initial reports suggested that 18 workers were missing and presumed dead, but the death toll was later revised to 16 after authorities confirmed that two individuals listed as missing were not on-site during the incident.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, are currently investigating the cause of the explosion. Due to the presence of hazardous materials, controlled detonations have been carried out to secure parts of the site before investigators could enter.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling for prayers for the victims’ families and describing the incident as a “heartbreaking loss” for the state.
According to Reuters, The Accurate Energetic Systems facility spans over 1,300 acres and has a history of accidents, a smaller explosion in 2014 killed one worker and injured three others.
Officials say the plant’s destruction is not only a human tragedy but also a major economic blow to the local community, where the factory has been a significant employer.
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