Multiple people are dead and at least 12 are unaccounted for after a “massive” blast rocked a military explosives plant in Tennessee on Friday, officials said.
The explosion, which people reported feeling miles away, happened at Accurate Energetic Systems near Bucksnort just before 8 a.m. Friday.
Nineteen employees were inside the building, Humphreys County EMA Director Odell Poyner told WKRN.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at a news conference that multiple people are dead and several people are still unaccounted for.
“We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation,” Davis said. “We can confirm that we do have some that are deceased.”
Emergency crews were initially unable to enter the plant because of continuing detonations, Hickman County Advanced EMT David Stewart said. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known. Sheriff Davis said the investigation could take days.
A statement released by Humphreys County urged people to avoid the area.
“Emergency personnel are on scene and actively managing the situation. Please avoid the area to allow responders to work safely and efficiently,” the statement read. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation — and we ask that you keep everyone involved in your prayers.”
Company uses its sprawling campus to test explosives
Accurate Energetic Systems uses the sprawling campus to test explosives, according to its website, measuring the velocity of explosions as well as their impact on surrounding areas under different conditions.
The website noted that it “rigorously adheres to the stringent security standards” of defense department security and safety protocols.
Officials at the Pentagon said that they were aware of the reports and were looking into the situation.
Public records show that the company has been awarded numerous military contracts going back years to manufacture different types of munitions and explosives.
The contracts, which were awarded largely by the U.S. Army and Navy, were for a variety of products that ranged from bulk explosives to landmines and small breaching charges.
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 19:48
Exclusive: Woman hears blast 50 miles away
Melody Roberts, 74, who live in Franklin, Tennessee, “at least 50 miles away” from the plant, told The Independent’s Justin Rohrlich that she heard the explosion
“I was sitting on my sun porch having a cup of coffee, it was about a quarter to 8,” Roberts said.
“I was out there and it sounded like a bad wreck up on the main road – I live just off the main road – and I thought, ‘Oh my God, somebody must have hit something up there.’ I mean, it shook my house. I kept waiting for sirens, but I didn’t hear anything, and it was probably 40 minutes later that I heard about the explosion. There’s nothing left. It’s gone. It’s just gone.”
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 19:01
Investigation likely to take several days, sheriff says
“We got a very big investigation,” Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said during a press briefing.
“This is not going to be something that we’re going to be like a car wreck or something like that, that we’re just going to clean up the debris and leave. We’re going to probably be here for a few days.”
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 18:53
Video: Wreckage of Tennessee plant after blast
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 18:18
Residents feel blast from miles away
Residents in Lobelville, which is about a 20-minute drive from the scene of the explosion, said they felt their homes shake, the Associated Press reported.
The blast rattled Gentry Stover from his sleep.
“I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,” he said by phone. “I live very close to Accurate and I realized about 30 seconds after I woke up that it had to have been that.”
State Rep. Jody Barrett, a Republican from the neighboring town Dickson, was worried about the possible economic impact because the plant is a key employer in the area.
“We live probably 15 miles as the crow flies and we absolutely heard it at the house,” Barrett said. “It sounded like something going through the roof of our house.”
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 18:11
‘Multiple people’ dead after explosion at Tennessee plant
Multiple people are dead and more are missing following a blast at an explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee, law enforcement officials have said.
At least 19 were initially reported missing and multiple others were hospitalized, according to Humphrey County Emergency Management officials.
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 18:01
Photos: Massive blast at military explosives company
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 17:59
What is Accurate Energetic Systems?
Accurate Energetic Systems, which is located about an hour southwest of Nashville, Tennessee, was founded in 1980, and is “dedicated to the development, manufacture, handling, and storage of high-quality energetic products utilized in both defense and commercial markets.”
The company specializes in making military explosives, according to the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office.
Andrea Cavallier10 October 2025 17:56
What specific safety protocols were reviewed following the 2018 fire at the Sterling Chemical plant, and what were the key findings of that review?
Tennessee Factory Explosion Results in Multiple Fatalities and Dozens Missing after Devastating blast in Community
Immediate Aftermath & Confirmed Casualties
A massive explosion ripped through the Sterling Chemical plant in Robertson County, Tennessee, earlier today, October 10, 2025, resulting in confirmed fatalities and leaving dozens unaccounted for. Emergency services are currently on scene, battling ongoing fires and conducting search and rescue operations. Initial reports indicate the blast occurred around 14:30 CST.
* Confirmed Fatalities: As of 19:00 CST, authorities have confirmed at least 8 fatalities. This number is expected to rise as search efforts continue.
* Missing Persons: Over 40 individuals remain missing, prompting a large-scale search involving local fire departments, law enforcement, and specialized urban search and rescue teams.
* Injuries: More than 60 people have been injured, with many transported to local hospitals – TriStar Springfield Medical Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center are receiving the majority of patients. Injuries range from minor burns and lacerations to critical trauma.
* Facility Damage: The sterling Chemical plant has sustained catastrophic damage.Aerial footage shows meaningful structural collapse and widespread debris.
Cause of the Explosion: Preliminary Investigations
The cause of the explosion is currently under examination. While authorities haven’t released definitive findings, early speculation centers around a potential chemical reaction within the plant.
* Possible Scenarios: Investigators are exploring possibilities including a malfunction in processing equipment, a leak of flammable materials, and potential human error.
* Chemicals Involved: Sterling chemical specializes in the production of various industrial chemicals, including formaldehyde and resins. The specific chemicals involved in the incident are being identified.
* Environmental Concerns: The explosion released a large plume of smoke, raising concerns about air quality. The Tennessee Department of Surroundings and Conservation (TDEC) is monitoring air samples and advising residents in surrounding areas to remain indoors.
* Federal Involvement: The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms and Explosives) and the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) have dispatched teams to assist with the investigation.
Community Impact & Emergency Response
The explosion has had a devastating impact on the local community. Robertson County officials have declared a state of emergency, and a shelter has been established at Springfield High School for displaced residents.
* Evacuation Orders: A mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for a one-mile radius around the plant.Residents within a three-mile radius are advised to shelter in place.
* Road Closures: Several major roadways, including Highway 70 and Highway 49, are closed to traffic.
* Search & rescue Challenges: The unstable structure of the plant is hindering search and rescue efforts. Specialized teams are using drones and thermal imaging to locate potential survivors.
* family Assistance center: A family assistance center has been set up at the Robertson County Fairgrounds to provide support and facts to families of the missing.
tennessee Chemical Plant Safety Regulations & History
Tennessee has a history of industrial incidents, prompting ongoing scrutiny of safety regulations within the state’s chemical manufacturing sector.
* OSHA Compliance: The Occupational Safety and Health Governance (OSHA) regularly inspects chemical plants in Tennessee to ensure compliance with safety standards. Records for Sterling chemical’s previous inspections are being reviewed.
* Process Safety Management (PSM): Facilities handling highly hazardous chemicals are required to implement Process Safety Management programs to prevent accidental releases. The effectiveness of Sterling Chemical’s PSM programme is under investigation.
* Past Incidents: In 2018,a smaller fire occurred at the same Sterling Chemical plant,tho no injuries were reported. This incident prompted a review of safety protocols, but details of the findings are not readily available.
* Offender Information: While unrelated to the incident, Tennessee provides public access to felony offender information through MyTN (https://www.tn.gov/correction/agency-services/foil.html). This resource is separate from the ongoing investigation.
Resources & Support
* Robertson County Emergency Management Agency: (615) 384-7000
* Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): https://www.tn.gov/tema.html
* American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (https://www.redcross.org/)
* Family Assistance Center: Robertson County Fairgrounds – Information and support for families of the missing.
