A massive explosion ripped through a US military explosives facility in Hickman County, Tennessee, on Friday, leaving multiple people dead and several others missing.
The powerful blast sent emergency services scrambling to the scene and triggered warnings for residents to stay clear of the area.
Aerial footage broadcast by US media showed a scene of destruction, smoldering debris, burnt-out vehicles, and twisted metal scattered across the grounds of Accurate Energetic Systems, the explosives manufacturing plant at the center of the tragedy.
The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the explosion in a post on Facebook, stating that “emergency services are currently on the scene working to address the situation.” Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blast.
The Hickman County mayor’s office told AFP that while details were still emerging, they could not immediately confirm the number of fatalities. However, neighboring Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the incident as a “very devastating blast” that destroyed an entire building within the facility.
“We do have several people at this time that’s unaccounted for,” Davis told reporters. “We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation. We do have some that are deceased, but we’re going to go back and talk to these families, notify these families.”
Authorities have since secured the area but cautioned that smaller explosions could still occur due to the nature of materials at the plant.
Accurate Energetic Systems, established in 1980, is known for producing “various high explosive compositions and specialty products” for the US Department of Defense, now referred to as the Department of War, as well as for industrial use.
The company has not yet released a statement regarding the incident.
What you should know
Accurate Energetic Systems, based in Hickman County, Tennessee, manufactures high-grade explosives for military and industrial clients.
Friday’s deadly explosion, which destroyed part of the facility, has left several people dead and others missing as emergency services continue their rescue and investigation efforts.
