Daijiworld Media Network – Tennessee

Tennessee, Oct 11: At least 19 people were reported missing and several feared dead after a powerful explosion ripped through a US military explosives plant in Hickman County, Tennessee, on Friday. Emergency teams continued to search the devastated site for survivors amid fears of further blasts.

Aerial visuals showed the factory reduced to rubble, with mangled vehicles and smoking debris scattered across the Accurate Energetic Systems facility in the Bucksnort area. “At this time, we have confirmed that we’re looking for 19 souls,” said Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis. “There are fatalities, but I don’t want to put a number to that.”

Davis described the scene as “the most devastating” of his career, saying the explosion completely destroyed a building and scattered debris across half a square mile. “There’s nothing to describe. It’s gone,” he remarked.

The cause of the blast remains unknown. Authorities warned nearby residents to stay away from the area as rescue operations continued. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee said state and federal agencies were coordinating the response and urged people to “pray for the families impacted by this tragic incident.”

Founded in 1980, Accurate Energetic Systems manufactures high explosives for the US Department of Defense and industrial markets. The company recently secured a $120-million Pentagon contract for TNT procurement.