The 18 people missing after an explosion at a munitions factory near the city of Bucksnort, more than 80 kilometers west of Nashville, in the southern United States, died, the town’s commissioner declared this Saturday (10/11/2025).
“We are currently identifying the bodies,” Chris Davis, sheriff of Humphreys County, Tennessee, said at a news conference. The authorities had initially reported a figure of 19 missing.
The explosion occurred this Friday around 07:45 am local time and blew up an entire building at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant. Television images showed the building in flames completely devastated and vehicles destroyed.
Authorities anticipate a long investigation
The sheriff refused this Saturday to rule out criminal activity. “It could be several days, weeks or even months before we know,” he told reporters.
In a statement posted on its website, Accurate Energetic Systems called the incident a “tragic accident” and said its “thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues and communities affected by this event.”
Founded in 1980, the company claims to be “specialized in the development, manufacturing, handling and storage of a wide range of energy and explosive products for the military, aerospace and commercial demolition sectors.”
rr afp/ap
