A tragedy rocked the southern United States Friday morning when a military explosives factory exploded in Hickman County, Tennessee, leaving at least 19 people missing and several confirmed dead, local authorities said.
The incident occurred at the facilities of Accurate Energetic Systems (AES), a company specializing in the manufacture of explosive materials for military and aerospace use, located in the small community of Bucksnort, about 100 kilometers southwest of Nashville.
Devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems
On Friday, October 10, an explosion was reported at a Tennessee explosives manufacturer in Hickman County.
The explosion took place at the Accurate Energetic Systems in the Bucksnort area. pic.twitter.com/B7MA2VJJgyR
– NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) October 10, 2025
The blast was recorded at 7:45 a.m. (local time) and was so powerful that it was heard from miles away.
Neighbors described a “deafening roar,” followed by a plume of smoke and flames that engulfed the industrial complex.
“We have several people missing…and unfortunately, some already confirmed lifeless,” Sheriff Chris Davis said visibly distressed, during a press conference.
Emergency crews continue to work through the rubble, while the families of the workers await news at a makeshift care center.
A plant with a history of high risk
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS: Helicopter video shows what’s left of Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County, Tennessee that experienced an explosion Friday morning. At least 19 people are unaccounted for. (Video: WTVF Nashville) https://t.co/xEHAeTFXLB pic.twitter.com/OxhaLceMZO
– Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) October 10, 2025
Accurate Energetic Systems is no ordinary factory: it produces high explosives used by the Pentagon, NASA and companies in the energy sector.
According to its website, the company “manufactures energy products for defense, demolition and oil exploration.”
Although the cause of the accident has not yet been determined, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are already in the area working with firefighters and state adjusters.
A tragedy that strikes the working class
Among the plant’s employees are several Latino workers, according to local media reports.
Many were residents of nearby rural communities, who depended on the factory as their main source of income.
“My brother had been working there for ten years. We didn’t know if he had entered the shift until we saw the news,” said María López, sister of one of the disappeared, in tears.
The community has begun to organize relief campaigns and fundraisers for the affected families, while authorities are asking for blood donations at hospitals in the area.
“We pray for them”
🚨 BREAKING: Massive Explosion at Tennessee’s Accurate Energetic Systems Munitions plant!
Multiple fatalities confirmed, 19 still missing, the blast was felt 20+ miles away. Shocking CNN footage captures the chaos, industrial accident or foul play? Thoughts?…. pic.twitter.com/DtvPE2MJn3
– KiiNGZ Bronson (@KiingzB) October 10, 2025
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee expressed his “deep sadness” and asked for prayers for the victims.
Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy
Bill Lee
Meanwhile, rescuers continue to search through the charred wreckage, hoping to find survivors.
“The bang was so loud it shook the ground,” recounted one witness. “I will never forget that sound.”
News in development: The authorities promise to provide an official update in the coming hours.
Follow QueOnnda.com ‘s coverage for the latest developments on this tragedy that has shocked the country.
Filed under: Factory explodes in Tennessee
