Tennessee explosion leaves 18 presumed dead as no survivors found at military plant site

BUCKSNORT, TENNESSEE: At least 18 people are presumed dead as no survivors have been found following a massive explosion at a military explosives manufacturing plant in Bucksnort, Tennessee, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The recovery crews concluded a second day of searching through the devastated site. The blast ripped through the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) facility, located about 50 miles west of Nashville, just before 8 am. Friday, shaking nearby homes and sending plumes of smoke billowing over the rural Hickman County landscape.

“More than 300 people have been through almost every square inch of this facility, and at this time, we’ve recovered no survivors,” said Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis, visibly emotional during a Saturday press briefing. “We find it even more devastating than what we thought initially. It’s a tremendous loss.”

DNA testing to identify remains recovered from site 

Officials had initially reported multiple fatalities and 18 missing workers, but by Saturday, confirmed that none of those missing had survived. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has deployed teams using rapid DNA testing to identify remains recovered from the scene.

“We’re dealing with explosions. And I would say at this time, we’re dealing with remains,” Davis said.

He added that investigators have not yet ruled out foul play, cautioning that determining the cause could take weeks or months.

Federal teams on site for further investigation

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stated that its elite National Response Team (NRT), a specialized group of explosives and fire investigators, has been deployed to lead the investigation.

“The team’s primary responsibility will be determining the origin and cause of the explosion, including analyzing, processing, and documenting the scene,” the ATF said in a statement.

The NRT has previously handled national-level incidents, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center attack, and the 9/11 Pentagon strike, according to the agency.

Families await confirmation as authorities say investigation will be slow

Fox News reported that outside the plant, families gathered anxiously, hoping for word of loved ones. Among the missing is Jeremy Moore, a longtime AES employee.

“The last I heard from him, he dropped his daughter off with me and was headed to work,” his mother, Ava Hinson, told WZTV. “It’s unbelievable, the not knowing. I almost don’t want to hear bad news, but I’d almost feel better if I knew.”

In a statement, Accurate Energetic Systems called the incident a “tragic accident”, saying emergency crews and investigators remain on scene.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident,” the company said. “We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.”

Authorities say the investigation will be slow and methodical, given the risk of secondary explosions and the complexity of the site. The facility spans 1,300 acres and houses eight buildings used to manufacture and test military, aerospace, and commercial explosives.

“This is truly devastating,” Sheriff Davis said. “We’ve lost friends, family, and neighbors. Hickman County will never forget this.”