Explosion rocks Tennessee explosives plant; several killed, 19 missing
3 Min Read
A deadly explosion rocks Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County, leaving several missing and prompting emergency response across the US industry site.
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Smoke fills the air as debris covers the ground and vehicles after a powerful blast ripped through a military explosives manufacturing plant in Hickman County, Tenn., on Friday, October 10, 2025. (WTVF-TV via AP)
A deadly Tennessee explosion struck an explosives manufacturing facility on Friday, leaving multiple people unaccounted for and prompting a swift emergency response. The incident occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems, located in the Bucksnort area of Hickman County, Tennessee.
Nineteen people were missing and an unspecified number were killed in the blast, officials said, with emergency responders at work at the site.
Aerial footage showed smoldering debris at the factory in Hickman County, Tennessee, with charred and mangled vehicles strewn across the facility.
Major explosion hit the Accurate Energetic Systems factory in Bucksnort, Tennessee.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 10, 2025
The blast destroyed a building, was felt up to 20 miles away, and left 19 workers missing.
Several deaths and injuries have been confirmed.
AES makes explosives for military and industrial… pic.twitter.com/D2PzZBJ4Ru
"At this time we have been able to confirm that we do have 19 souls that we're looking for," Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis told reporters.
The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the blast via social media, urging residents to avoid the area.
“Emergency services are currently on the scene working to address the situation. Please avoid the area to allow emergency responders to do their work,” the statement read.
Although the exact number of casualties remains unclear, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis told US media that several individuals were still missing and confirmed “some fatalities".
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The United States-based company, founded in 1980, specializes in explosives manufacturing and distribution. Accurate Energetic Systems has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
⚡️ 19 MISSING after explosion at explosives manufacturer near Bucksnort, Tennessee
— RT (@RT_com) October 10, 2025
Structure leveled, debris everywhere pic.twitter.com/hImOqU0SRK
Officials looking into cause of explosion
Local authorities, including the mayor’s office in Hickman County, said the cause of the explosion has not been determined. Investigators are expected to begin an assessment once the site is secured.
Emergency personnel from surrounding counties have been deployed to assist with recovery and containment efforts.
Accurate Energetic Systems operates as a supplier of explosives to various sectors, including military and commercial applications. The plant’s remote location in Bucksnort is part of a larger industrial zone with safety protocols in place due to the nature of its operations.
BREAKING: I’m on the scene of an explosion at the Accurate Energetic plant in Middle Tennessee. Large scale emergency response underway. Here’s some of the first video from the scene: pic.twitter.com/Skli3Vg601
— Will Nunley (@willnunley) October 10, 2025
Friday’s Hickman County blast adds to a growing list of safety incidents across the US industry, raising questions about regulation and emergency preparedness in hazardous manufacturing environments.
Local authorities urge public to avoid area
Officials have continued to warn residents to stay away from the site. "If you are in the area, stay clear and follow the instructions from local authorities," the sheriff’s office added.
As the situation unfolds, emergency crews remain on site to search for the missing and secure the facility.
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