A powerful explosion tore through a munitions plant in Tennessee on Friday. Several people died, and others remain missing. The blast hit Accurate Energetic Systems, a company that makes and tests explosives.

The explosion triggered a series of smaller blasts. As a result, rescue teams had to stay back from the burning site. The plant sits among wooded hills near Bucksnort, about 97 kilometers southwest of Nashville. Moreover, residents reported hearing and feeling the blast miles away.

Officials Confirm Casualties and Missing Workers

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed the grim news. “We do have several people at this time unaccounted for. We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation,” he said. “We do have some that are deceased.”

At this stage, the cause of the explosion is unclear. However, Hickman County officials said the investigation could take several days. Authorities are being cautious because parts of the site remain dangerous.

Wreckage and Continuing Dangers

Aerial images from WTVF-TV showed one of the hilltop buildings completely destroyed. Burned cars and twisted metal covered the ground. Meanwhile, Sheriff Davis warned that small detonations could still happen.

Emergency teams could not enter the facility immediately due to the risk of more explosions. According to David Stewart, an Advanced EMT with Hickman County, “It was too dangerous to go in.” Officials have not yet confirmed the total number of victims.

Community in Shock

Accurate Energetic Systems, based in nearby McEwen, did not respond to calls or emails. In response, McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford called the incident “a tragedy for our community.” He said county officials would provide further updates.

Meanwhile, residents living miles away said they felt their homes shake. Some in Lobelville, about 20 minutes from the site, caught the loud boom on security cameras.

“I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,” said local resident Gentry Stover. “I live very close to Accurate and I realized about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.”

Economic Concerns Arise

Beyond the human toll, officials worry about the economic impact. State Representative Jody Barrett, a Republican from Dickson, said the plant employs many local workers.

“We live probably 15 miles as the crow flies and we absolutely heard it at the house,” Barrett said. “It sounded like something going through the roof of our house.”

He added that the loss could deeply affect families who rely on the factory for jobs.

Investigation and Rescue Efforts Underway

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) confirmed injuries but did not release numbers. According to spokesperson Kristin Coulter, they are waiting for the Department of Health to confirm the figures.

Furthermore, TEMA has deployed coordinators to support Hickman County officials. Search and rescue operations continue as investigators work to identify the cause of the explosion and locate missing workers.