Accurate Energetic Systems factory explodes; 19 missing, feared killed

Local authorities reported in the aftermath of an October 10 explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems’ rural Tennessee factory that 16 people were killed in the blast, which also hospitalized a half-dozen more. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said investigators are looking into a cause for the explosion. A company statement from Accurate Energetic Systems LLC on its LinkedIn account said it was a “tragic accident,” thanked first responders, and promised more information as it comes to light.

The Associated Press reported that a spokesperson for the Humphreys County Emergency Management Agency said the area is under control, without risk for further explosions. Local news media reported that residents in Lobelville, Tennessee, about 14 miles away, felt their homes shake.

According to its website, AES LLC sells explosives and “energetic products” to the military and aerospace industries as well as commercial demolition companies. Its production site in Bucksnort, Tennessee, was cited for five OSHA violations in November 2019, two of them serious, though the case against them was closed in March 2023.

This is a breaking news update. The story will be updated as more information comes out.

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