A total of 18 people are missing after a shooting at a military explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee explosion On Friday. Police said that no survivors have been recovered, and that they are still investigating the cause of the incident and have not ruled out any foul play.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed there were deaths Friday, but did not provide a number associated Press,
“At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, a tragic accident occurred at our facility. Emergency response teams and investigative agencies are on scene, and the situation is under active investigation,” Accurate Energetic Systems, the company that owns the site, wrote in a statement.
The statement added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, colleagues and community members affected by this incident. We express our gratitude to all of the first responders who are working tirelessly under difficult circumstances.”
Here’s what you need to know about this deadly incident:
The explosion was felt more than 15 miles away
Residents in the surrounding area felt the explosion Friday morning from more than 15 miles away from the plant, according to Davis. Debris flew up to half a mile from the plant.
When Davis was asked to describe what the facility looked like, he said, “There is nothing to describe.” “The building is finished.”
Officials said the blast sparked a series of smaller explosions, cnn Informed.
community mourns
Statements have been issued in support of families who have lost a loved one and community members have mourned the passing. Davis said that one of his childhood friends died in the explosion.
“We are monitoring the ongoing situation in Hickman County and state agencies are responding in partnership with local and federal agencies,” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) said in a statement. statement On social media platform X.
“We ask Tennesseans to join us in praying for the families affected by this tragic event,” he said.
A vigil for families was held at a nearby park on Friday night, the AP reported.
According to CNN, Davis said, “It involves three families that I’m very close to. When you have small counties like this, we know each other… we love each other.”
This is not the first fatal explosion
More than a decade ago, there was another deadly explosion at the facility, wsmv Informed. At that time the property was owned by Rio Ammunition.
According to Tennessee officials, Accurate Energetic Systems was not connected to the 2014 incident, CNN reported.
However, the company paid $7,200 fine An inspection in 2019 revealed violations involving employee exposure to contaminants and inadequate safety training.
