Esther Imonmion
At least 18 people are missing after a massive explosion destroyed a military explosives manufacturing facility in Bucksnort, Tennessee, on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed that one person initially believed to be on site was later found safe at home. Four to five others were taken to a nearby hospital following the blast, which levelled the Accurate Energetic Systems factory.
“There’s nothing to describe — it’s gone,” Sheriff Davis said, adding that the explosion was so powerful it flung debris across half a square mile. Residents as far as Waverly, about 15 miles away, reported feeling and hearing the blast.
The facility, located roughly 56 miles (90km) southwest of Nashville, specialised in the manufacture, handling, and storage of high-grade military and commercial explosives, including C-4 and TNT. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
Aerial footage showed charred debris, smouldering vehicles, and little left of the 1,300-acre complex. Davis, visibly emotional during his media briefings, said it was too early to confirm fatalities but described the missing workers as “19 souls.”
He added that secondary explosions had forced emergency responders to keep their distance from the site during initial rescue efforts.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee described the incident as “tragic,” noting that his office was closely monitoring developments. State and local authorities are coordinating with federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which have secured the scene and declared it stable.
Casey Stapp, media relations director at TriStar Health in nearby Dickson, said two walk-in patients were treated for minor injuries and released, while a third remains hospitalised.
Accurate Energetic Systems, which employs about 75 people, has suspended all operations as the investigation continues. Authorities expect to remain at the site for several days as teams conduct a “slow and methodical” inquiry into the cause.
A similar explosion occurred at the same location in 2014 when it was operated by Rio Ammunition, killing one worker and injuring three others.
Ken Cross, former president of the Institute of Explosives Engineers, described explosives manufacturing as a “high-hazard, low-probability industry” that demands strict regulation and highly trained personnel.
“Competent staff are essential,” he said, “and while most organisations provide proper training and supervision, incidents like this remind us of the risks inherent in handling explosives.”