Tennessee: 18 missing after devastating plant explosion
By Trend Brio News Desk | Published: October 11, 2025
Eighteen people are missing and feared dead after a massive explosion tore through the Accurate Energetic Systems munitions plant in rural Tennessee, authorities said. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed there were fatalities but could not give an exact toll, noting some employees might yet be found alive.
The blast, reported at about 7:45am on Friday in the Bucksnort area of Hickman County roughly 60 miles southwest of Nashville, obliterated an eight-storey building and scattered debris across at least half a mile.
Video from the scene showed flames and smoke rising from a field of wreckage while emergency crews were initially unable to enter the site because of ongoing smaller explosions and safety risks. Residents as far as 15–20 miles away reported feeling their homes shake and capturing the shock on home cameras; locals held a vigil Friday night.
Accurate Energetic Systems makes explosives and related products for defence, aerospace, demolition and oil-and-gas industries and holds contracts with the US Army and Navy. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.
Emergency teams, including local responders, are on site as officials work to secure the area and account for employees.
