Investigators now say a massive explosion at a Tennessee military explosives facility killed 16 people, officials announced Saturday.Earlier reports had listed 18 people as missing following Friday’s blast, but Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis clarified at a press conference that two individuals, whose vehicles and personal items were found at the site, were not present when the explosion occurred.
The blast occurred around 7:45am local time during an early shift, destroying an entire building on the plant’s campus and scattering debris over at least half a square mile. Residents reported feeling the impact up to 20 miles away, with several mistaking the tremors for an earthquake or meteor strike.“It’s not like working an accident. It’s not like working a tornado. We’re dealing with explosions. And I would say at this time, we’re dealing with remains,” Davis said.Authorities are now using cell tower data and employee records to confirm who was on site at the time of the incident. The FBI and the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation, which will be co-led by local sheriff’s offices.The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and officials said the site remains volatile due to leftover ordnance and unstable chemicals. Controlled detonations are expected as part of the recovery and safety measures.AES manufactures explosives primarily for the US military, including demolition charges and bulk munitions. The company has received several defense contracts, largely from the US army and navy, according to public records. It operates an eight-building facility in a heavily wooded area of Humphreys county. A vigil was held Friday night by community members who gathered to pray and sing hymns like “Amazing Grace.” Sheriff Davis, visibly moved, spoke of the broader impact on the tight-knit community. “We need our communities to come together and understand that we’ve lost a lot of people. This does not only affect those families, it runs deeper … this could be people that you grew up with,” he said. The company, in a statement, called it a “tragic accident” and thanked first responders, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident,” said Wendall Stinson, CEO of AES. In 2019, AES was cited by OSHA for minor violations related to chemical safety and radiation exposure, according to AP records. The area has also witnessed industrial accidents in the past – including a fatal explosion at another local ammunition facility in 2014.Tennessee governor Bill Lee posted on social media asking for prayers and confirming he is closely monitoring the situation.(With inputs from agencies and CNN)
