Multiple people are dead following a “devastating blast” at an explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee on Friday, according to authorities.
The explosion occurred Friday morning at Accurate Energetic Systems in McEwen, located about 50 miles west of Nashville.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed to reporters there are “some” fatalities and several people missing in the explosion, though he did not provide specific numbers.
Aerials show aftermath after fiery blast reported at a Tennessee explosives company
At least 13 people are unaccounted for, Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates told ABC News.
“We have a very significant investigation,” Davis stated during a press briefing. “This isn’t going to be like a car accident or something similar where we simply clear the debris and move on. We’re likely to be here for several days.”
“We are trying to allocate as much time as necessary at the moment. Our focus is on those involved, their families, and ensuring we approach them with compassion,” he elaborated.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are among the agencies that have responded to the scene, Davis mentioned.
Accurate Energetic Systems produces explosives and energetic devices for military, aerospace, demolition, and mining industries, according to its website.
Its customers include the Defense Department and Homeland Security, according to the Association of the United States Army.
The explosion occurred at 7:48 a.m. local time and destroyed one of the facility’s buildings, officials said.
Video from a Nest camera at a home in Lobelville, about 11 miles from the plant, captured shaking as an explosion can be heard.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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