Residents of McEwen, Tennessee, and nearby towns gathered Sunday to mourn the 16 people confirmed dead following a massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems munitions plant, a key military contractor located in a rural part of Humphreys County, as reported by The New York Post.

Churches across the area, including one attended by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, held memorial services for the victims and their families. At Maple Valley Baptist Church in Nunnelly, Pastor Jimmy Andrews described the grief as widespread and deeply personal.

Major explosion hit the Accurate Energetic Systems factory in Bucksnort, Tennessee.

The blast destroyed a building, was felt up to 20 miles away, and left 19 workers missing.

Several deaths and injuries have been confirmed.

AES makes explosives for military and industrial… pic.twitter.com/D2PzZBJ4Ru

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 10, 2025

“There’s a somber kind of vibe right now in the community just because it’s so many lives that have been affected by it,” Andrews said. “It’s family and friends just trying to hold each other up during this most difficult time.”

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Governor Lee, who surveyed the damage by helicopter earlier in the day, called the losses “staggering” while speaking to reporters outside Compassion Church in Waverly.

The explosion occurred on Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems facility, which manufactures explosives for military and defense use. The blast leveled the plant, leaving behind twisted metal, burned-out vehicles, and a wide debris field.

Authorities said all 16 workers who were initially missing have been confirmed dead.

Tennessee Plant Explosion – 16 Lost in Tragic Blast Identified

Last week, 16 lives were lost in the devastating explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems munitions plant in Bucksnort, Tennessee. Tonight, these 16 names have been officially released by authorities—and each… pic.twitter.com/MUjLARzGlV

— C. Nicole Lindsay (@SprintPlanner) October 13, 2025

Officials initially feared 19 workers were unaccounted for after the blast, which was so powerful that residents more than 20 miles away reported feeling shockwaves. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by state and federal agencies.

As investigators continued sifting through the wreckage over the weekend, the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office announced that controlled detonations would take place at the site to safely dispose of remaining hazardous materials.

“Extraordinary precautions are in place to prevent further damage and injuries,” the department said in a statement. “The community around the area is safe, but you may hear noise and see some smoke.”

Local residents described the aftermath as both devastating and surreal. Brandon Brake, a 42-year-old member of Maple Valley Baptist Church, said that many in the community were relying on their faith and each other for strength.

“It’s been a tragic time,” Brake said. “We’re going to pull through.”

Flags in McEwen were lowered to half-staff on Saturday in remembrance of the victims, and a candlelight vigil was scheduled for Sunday evening. Mayor Brad Rachford said city officials would continue to support those impacted by the disaster.

“We will continue to play a support role to those affected in any way possible as they are our friends, neighbors, and citizens of our community,” Rachford said in an email Sunday.

During his sermon, Pastor Andrews urged his congregation to care for one another in the days ahead. “Lord, I just pray we lift up those that are continuing to suffer through this tragic event,” he said.

The investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing.

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