Tennessee: A massive explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives plant in rural Humphreys County, Tennessee, on Friday, October 10, 2025, left the facility levelled, scattering debris across a wide area and leaving at least 19 people missing and feared dead, authorities said.
Catastrophic blast and aftermath
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the scene as “one of the worst” he has ever witnessed. “There’s nothing to describe. It’s gone,” he said, referring to the destroyed plant. Davis confirmed multiple casualties but declined to specify numbers, noting that the 19 missing were being referred to as “souls” while officials continued to speak with families.
The blast occurred at around 7:45 a.m., sending smoke and flames across the hilltop facility. Debris was thrown over a half-mile radius, and residents more than 24 kilometres away reported feeling the explosion, according to the sheriff. Aerial footage captured the site smouldering, with burned-out cars and twisted metal littering the area.
Families of the missing gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting updates as emergency crews worked to secure the area. Initial attempts to enter the facility were delayed due to ongoing detonations, said Hickman County Advanced EMT David Stewart. By Friday afternoon, authorities confirmed the scene was under control, and no further danger of explosions remained.
About Accurate Energetic Systems
The McEwen-based company operates an eight-building facility in the Bucksnort area, processing explosives and ammunition primarily for U.S. military contracts, including the Army and Navy. Its products range from bulk explosives to landmines and small breaching charges like C4. It remains unclear how many workers were present at the time of the explosion. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Residents and officials react
Locals reported feeling the blast from several miles away. In Lobelville, about 20 minutes from the plant, residents said their homes shook, and some captured the explosion on home security cameras. Gentry Stover described waking up to what he thought was a house collapse, realising seconds later it originated from the plant.
State Representative Jody Barrett, from nearby Dickson, expressed concerns over the potential economic impact, noting that the plant is a key local employer.
Safety history and investigation
Accurate Energetic Systems has a history of OSHA violations, with small fines issued in 2019 for failure to adequately protect workers from hazardous chemicals and other risks. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the blast, which has yet to be determined.
The incident adds to a long list of industrial accidents in U.S. history, including the 1907 Monongah coal mine explosion, which killed 362 workers and helped shape modern occupational safety regulations.
Authorities continue to search the site and speak with the families of those missing.