BUCKSNORT, TENNESSEE — Investigators have confirmed that 16 people were killed in a massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems military explosives facility on Friday.
Authorities initially said 18 people were missing, but later confirmed that two individuals were not at the site when the blast occurred, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at a press briefing on Saturday.
The explosion, which was felt for miles, completely destroyed one of the main buildings at the 1,300-acre complex, located about an hour west of Nashville. Families of all victims have been notified, Davis said, fighting back tears: “We’ll call them victims, our loved ones.”
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The operation has now shifted from rescue to recovery, and DNA testing will be used to confirm the victims’ identities.
Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are working to determine the cause. The search remains dangerous because of unexploded ordnance at the site.
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In a statement, Accurate Energetic Systems thanked first responders and expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected.”
The company produces explosives for military, aerospace, and demolition uses. A smaller explosion at the same facility in 2014 killed one worker and injured three others.