USA Today, by Jeanine Santucci, Craig Shoup, and Nicole Young: There are no survivors of the blast that rocked a Tennessee explosives plant, authorities said on Oct. 11 as investigators work to determine the cause.
All 16 people inside the building that exploded at Accurate Energetic Systems are dead, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at an Oct. 11 press conference. Residents from miles away could hear the blast on Oct. 10 at the facility in Hickman County, Tennessee, about 60 miles west of Nashville.
“I can tell you at this time, we have notified all 16 families of those people that we feel (were) involved in this situation, this tragedy,” Davis said during an emotional evening press briefing outside the Accurate Energetic Systems facility gates.
The facility processes high-grade explosives for demolition, military and other uses, according to its website.
Authorities previously said 18 people were missing in the explosion. Earlier on Oct. 10, officials said 19 were unaccounted for but later said they located one person at home who had been believed to be among the missing.
The difference in number, Davis explained, was because a vehicle and personal items were found on the scene and they were unable to locate the owners, at first. Initially, the presence of those items made officials think there more people who died, but “they were not in the destroyed building,” the sheriff said.
Throughout the day on Oct. 11, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation worked to conduct DNA testing and confirm the identities of those who died, officials noted during the briefing.
“As widely acknowledged, we endured a tragic incident today that has profoundly impacted our community, Humphreys County, and surrounding communities I extend my most profound condolences to the victims and their families during this difficult time,” Hickman County Sheriff Jason Craft said late on Oct. 10.
“The investigation is currently in its active phase, and the scene remains highly dynamic,” Craft said.
What happened in the Tennessee explosion?
The explosion happened at about 7:45 a.m. on Oct. 10, authorities said. The blast was heard for miles, with a home security camera over 20 miles away picking it up and residents reporting the ground shaking.
At least a few people with minor injuries from being near the blast were treated at Ascension Saint Thomas’ Three Rivers Hospital in Waverly, about 15 miles from the facility, the hospital told the Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
When asked to describe the building where the blast occurred, Davis told reporters, “There’s nothing to describe. It’s gone.”
Members of the public were asked to stay clear of the area as first responders contained the scene. Officials also asked the public not to “post anything about missing or any type of status of personnel.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions,” Accurate Energetic Systems said in a statement.
What caused the Tennessee explosion?
The cause of the blast, which encompassed an entire building, was not immediately clear, and officials said they are investigating. It could take weeks or months to determine if any foul play was involved, Davis said on Oct. 11.
“There’s not going to be a short explanation for that,” Davis previously said.
The Nashville Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms field office said bomb techs are working the area, as the national response team is expected to arrive in the coming hours.
Explosives facility had history of safety violations
The explosives facility had a history of safety issues and violations, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development obtained by the Nashville Tennessean.
Another explosion at the facility in 2014 left one dead and two injured. The family of the deceased employee settled a lawsuit that claimed workplace safety standards at the time of the explosion fell below what is required by law, the Tennessean reported.
Multiple employees previously experienced seizures in 2019, leading inspectors to determine they had been potentially exposed to a toxic chemical through inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin.
Five “serious” violations were identified in the inspection, but within years, they were dialed back or removed from the record, and the matter ended with a settlement between Accurate Energetic Systems and Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Tennessean reported.
Prophetic Link:
“The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession.” Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 6, page 408
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