Several dead and others missing following huge blast at US military explosives plant
The search for survivors is ongoing following the explosion at the Tennessee plant which has left 19 people unaccounted for.
Several people have been killed with 19 missing following a large blast at US military explosives plant.
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The explosion took place at 7.45am local time (1.45pm UK time) on Friday, with search and rescue teams currently combing for survivors at the Accurate Energetic Systems site in the US state of Tennessee.
A large emergency response remains at the scene near the town of McEwan, with one first responder saying they could not enter the site initially due to continuing detonations.
It was reported that the explosion was heard from miles away including in neighbouring counties.
The company established at the site provides solutions for energetics products serving the defence, aerospace and demolition industries, according to the company's website.
The site of the explosion is located roughly 56 miles (90km) away from the nearby city of Nashville.
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Huge plumes of thick grey smoke could be seen rising over the site in the aftermath of the explosion.
The explosion site includes the charred remnants of cars, with debris scattered over a large, scorched area.
According to the company's website, Accurate Energetic Systems specialises in the "creation of high-grade explosives for demolition".
The company also produces claymore mines - a form of anti-personnel device used by the US army, alongside a host of products used by military and aerospace sectors.
A before picture of the munitions plant prior to today’s explosion in Tennessee. https://t.co/qZJHMRTiOY pic.twitter.com/qTQNJ4E5kN
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 10, 2025
Secondary explosions forced rescuers back from the site, according to Sheriffs from the Hickman County Sheriff's Office.
Humphreys County Sheriff, Chris Davis, called the explosion a "very devastating blast" that "encompassed one whole building."
"We do have several people at this time that’s unaccounted for," Sheriff Davis added.
"We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation. We do have some folks.
"We can confirm that we do have some that are deceased."
BREAKING: More than a dozen people are feared dead after a massive explosion at a bomb factory in Tennessee
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) October 10, 2025
The blast occurred at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant around 7;50 a.m. local time
Officials say at least 12 people are currently unaccounted for
Locals reported… pic.twitter.com/bQzNyIYVbg
Explaining the situation, John DeVito, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), said the military facilities similar to the site in Tennessee, are highly regulated.
"This is a terrible incident but we will get to the bottom of it," he says. "We will find survivors."
"We are working with our state local and federal partners to investigate," the statement says.