16 Killed in Tennessee Explosives Plant Blast

At least 16 people have been killed and several others injured in a powerful explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) military explosives manufacturing plant in the US state of Tennessee. The tragic incident occurred on the morning of October 10, at approximately 7:45 local time, near the town of McEwen, which is about 80 kilometers from Nashville.

According to authorities, the explosion was so powerful that it completely destroyed one of the plant's buildings, leaving behind a field of burning debris and charred vehicles. The blast wave was felt even by people living tens of kilometers away from the scene.

Eyewitnesses said their houses shook from the explosion. The initial powerful explosion was followed by a series of secondary detonations, which significantly hampered the work of firefighters and rescuers, preventing them from immediately approaching the disaster zone. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the scene as one of the most horrific he had ever seen, noting that no survivors were found. The search and rescue operation has been reclassified as a body recovery mission. The deceased and missing were employees of the plant who were in the building at the time of the explosion. At least three injured people were taken to the hospital.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident with the participation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The causes of the explosion are still unknown. Accurate Energetic Systems, which is fully cooperating with the investigation, has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and the community.

Founded in 1980, Accurate Energetic Systems develops and manufactures high-quality explosives for both the military and aerospace, as well as commercial sectors. Its clients include the US Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Notably, this is not the first fatal incident associated with the company; in 2014, another explosion at the same facility killed one person and injured several others. In addition, in 2019, the company was fined for violations of workplace safety rules.