WASHINGTON: A powerful explosion at an explosives manufacturing facility in Tennessee left several people dead and others missing on Friday, according to US media reports.
Local authorities confirmed that the blast occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives plant located in the Bucksnort area of Hickman County.
“We can confirm there has been an explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems,” the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
“Emergency services are currently on the scene working to address the situation. Please avoid the area to allow emergency responders to do their work.”
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis told NBC News that “some fatalities” had been confirmed and several individuals remained unaccounted for.
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“We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation. We can confirm that we do have some that are deceased,” he said.
The mayor’s office in Hickman County said it could not immediately verify the number of casualties or determine the cause of the explosion.
Founded in 1980, Accurate Energetic Systems manufactures explosives and propellants for both military and commercial use. The company has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
Emergency crews continued to work at the scene late into the evening as authorities warned residents to stay away from the area.