Authorities confirmed Saturday that 16 people are believed dead following a Tennessee Plant Explosion at an explosives manufacturing plant in McEwen, Tennessee, about 50 miles west of Nashville.
At a press conference, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said investigators have “not located any survivors” after the blast at Accurate Energetic Systems, which occurred Friday morning. “We are making the assumption that all are deceased at this time,” Davis said somberly.
Officials initially reported 18 people missing, but later determined two individuals were not on site when the explosion occurred, despite their vehicles and belongings being found at the scene.
The cause of the Tennessee Plant Explosion remains under investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Center for Explosives Training and Research. Sheriff Davis said the operation has shifted from a search and rescue to a recovery mission.
Tennessee Plant Explosion
“It’s a great loss to our community,” Davis said, fighting back tears. “We’re dealing with Tennessee Plant Explosion and at this time, we’re dealing with remains.”
Authorities are using cellphone data and forensic methods to help identify victims. “As we get into this, we find it more devastating than we thought initially,” Davis added.
Due to the hazardous nature of the site, officials described the investigation as “slow and methodical.” Certified ATF bomb technicians and explosive specialists are assisting, and several controlled detonations were planned Saturday to safely eliminate remaining volatile materials.
Four to five people were transported to nearby hospitals following the Tennessee Plant Explosion, though the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Asked to describe the plant site, Sheriff Davis said, “There’s nothing to describe. It’s gone. It’s probably been one of the most devastating situations I’ve seen in my career.”
Davis emphasized that the investigation will take several days as teams work carefully to recover remains and support the victims’ families. “We’re prioritizing the people involved and trying to be very compassionate toward them,” he said.
