19 missing after explosion rocks U.S. army supplier plant in Tennessee

A massive explosion has rocked Accurate Energetic Systems, a U.S. Army explosives supplier in Tennessee, leaving at least 19 people missing and feared dead.

The blast occurred on Friday (October 10) local time, according to the Associated Press, reports BBC.

The explosion completely destroyed one building on the company’s 1,300-acre campus in Humphreys County, causing tremors felt several miles away. Due to the presence of explosives, rescue teams initially could not enter the site.

“There are no words—everything is gone,” said County Safety Director Chris Davis.

Located in a forested area near Bucksnort, about 97 kilometers southeast of Nashville, the company manufactures explosives for military, aerospace, and demolition use.

Government records show Accurate Energetic Systems has longstanding contracts with the U.S. military. Federal and local authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident.