No Survivors Found After Deadly Explosion at Tennessee Explosives Plant

Tennessee authorities confirmed Saturday that no survivors have been located following a massive explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, a manufacturing facility in Bucksnort, about 50 miles west of Nashville.

The blast occurred just before 8 a.m. Friday, prompting a large-scale emergency response and investigation involving more than 300 personnel.

🚨#BREAKING: At least 19 people are missing after an explosion at a Tennessee bomb factory.

All nineteen employees were inside the building at the time, and all of them remain unaccounted for.

Please pray for the families of these workers. pic.twitter.com/8fn6cL3m6v

— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) October 10, 2025

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said during a Saturday press conference that crews had conducted a “very delicate, very methodical” search across the site.

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“I can tell you that more than 300 people have been through almost every square inch of this facility, and at this time, we’ve recovered no survivors,” Davis said.

Growing emotional, he added, “We find it even more devastating than what we thought initially. Truly devastated. It’s a tremendous loss. A great loss.”

Officials initially reported several deaths on Friday but did not specify a number. As of Saturday, at least 18 people remained unaccounted for.

Davis confirmed that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was assisting with “rapid DNA” testing to identify the remains of victims.

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

“Can I say we’re going to rule out foul play? We can’t answer that. That might be days or weeks or months before we can do that.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced that its National Response Team had been deployed to lead the investigation into the cause of the blast.

“ATF’s National Response Team is an elite team comprised of highly trained investigative experts, with state-of-the-art equipment, specializing in explosives, fire and bombing investigations,” the agency said in a statement.

The team includes special agents, certified explosives specialists, bomb technicians, chemists, engineers, and other experts.

It has previously investigated major national incidents such as the 9/11 Pentagon attack, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

“So right now, all of our bomb techs, our explosive specialists are up there very thoroughly, methodically trying to make safe the area so that when our National Response Team comes in this afternoon, that area can be as safe as possible for every law enforcement up there,” said Guy McCormick, a Supervisory Special Agent with ATF’s Nashville Field Division.

Local reports identified one of the missing as Jeremy Moore, a longtime employee at the facility.

“I did find out it was the building, Building 602, that he worked in and that he was on the missing list,” his mother, Ava Hinson, told WZTV.

“The last I heard from him, he dropped his daughter off with me and was headed to work.”

She added, “It’s unbelievable, the not knowing, I almost, I don’t want to hear bad news, but I’d almost feel better if I knew.”

Accurate Energetic Systems released a statement on its website Friday acknowledging the explosion.

“At approximately 7:45am this morning, there was a tragic accident at our facility,” the company said.

“Emergency response teams and investigative agencies remain on scene, and the situation is under active investigation.”

The statement continued, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions. We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.”

According to the Associated Press, signs near the site on Saturday asked for prayers for the families.

Emergency crews had to delay their initial search due to burning debris and the threat of secondary explosions.

Officials said the area is now secure, and there is no longer a risk.

Sheriff Davis said the cause of the explosion remains under investigation and warned that there will not be a “short-term explanation.”

The facility, which sits on about 1,300 acres, produces and tests explosives for military, aerospace, and commercial industries.

The company’s website notes that the site includes eight buildings used for manufacturing, storage, and research, as well as testing areas designed to measure the velocity and environmental impact of detonations.

“At the height of the response yesterday, there were more than 300 emergency personnel from 18 local, state, and federal agencies on scene collaborating on the ongoing investigation and response,” the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said.

“This coordinated effort is focused on ensuring public safety, supporting impacted families, and determining the cause of the incident.”

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee posted a message on X on Friday asking residents to pray for those affected.

“We ask Tennesseans to join us in prayer for the families impacted by this tragic incident,” Lee wrote.

We are monitoring the ongoing situation in Hickman County & state agencies are responding in partnership with local & federal agencies. We ask Tennesseans to join us in prayer for the families impacted by this tragic incident.

— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) October 10, 2025