Deadly explosion in Tennessee heard on home surveillance camera 35 miles away
Robin Castleberry and other homeowners who live about 35 miles from the explosion site recorded audio of the explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in the Bucksnort area on their security cameras.
An explosion at an explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee has killed an unknown number of people, but authorities are warning the public to avoid the area.
The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a social media post on Friday, Oct. 10, that the incident occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems in the Bucksnaut area. The plant is located about 90 miles west of Nashville.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said several people were missing and some died, according to the USA TODAY Network’s Tennessean. He called the explosion, which occurred at 7:45 a.m. on October 10, “a very devastating explosion.”
Davis added that the scene was safe, but warned that there was still a possibility of a small explosion in the area. He said no more major explosions were expected.
Citizens are asked to stay away from the area
Immediately after the explosion, the sheriff’s office announced that emergency crews were currently on scene and working to resolve the situation. In the meantime, the ministry is asking people to “avoid the area so emergency crews can access the area.”
“If you are in the area, please avoid the area and follow the instructions of local authorities,” the sheriff’s office said, adding that non-emergency calls to law enforcement should be kept to a minimum to address the situation at hand.
The sheriff’s office also asked the public not to “post regarding missing personnel or situations of any kind.”
Mayor Hickman is awaiting further information.
Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates told The Tennessean shortly after 10:30 a.m. that he had not yet received confirmation of any injuries or deaths from the explosion.
“It’s an unfortunate incident,” Bates said. “It was felt around our county.”
Bates added that his office received several calls from residents who said they felt the ground shaking as smoke rose from the scene.
“We just pray that the good Lord will reach out to the families involved,” Bates said.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn also told the X-Post that she and her office are “closely monitoring the explosion reported in Hickman County this morning and praying for those still missing.”
What exactly is an energy system?
Founded in 1980, Accurate Energetic Systems is a manufacturer specializing in the production of high-grade explosives for demolition use, according to the company’s website. The company is making a “straight assault into the claymore mines.”
“The company is dedicated to developing, manufacturing, handling and storing high quality energy products utilized in both defense and commercial markets,” the website states.
The facility is located on 1,300 acres and consists of eight production buildings and one quality control lab.
“Our manufacturing facilities are designed with environmental control systems to ensure optimal conditions for the production of high-quality energy materials and explosives,” the website states.
The facility was the focus of a previous investigation after an April 16, 2014 explosion that killed one person and injured three others, The Tennessean reported.
USA TODAY contacted Accurate Energetic Systems on Friday, October 10th, but did not receive a response.
Contributions: Kirsten Fiscus, Vivian Jones, Craig Shoup/Nashville Tennessean
This is a developing story.
