Multiple law enforcement agencies from local, state, and federal levels are actively assisting in operations at the site of Friday’s explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman/Humphreys counties. Officials said Saturday there are still 16 persons unaccounted for and presumed deceased.
The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Teams are serving as the lead law enforcement authorities on the ground with the assistance of the Fort Campbell Explosive Ordinance Disposal team.
Due to the extensive debris and the potential presence of explosive materials, response operations continue to progress slowly and methodically. Controlled detonations will be conducted periodically at the site throughout the day to safely dispose of unstable or hazardous materials. Nearby residents may see black smoke and hear or feel the detonations as they occur.
This is the latest update as of Sunday afternoon:
Highlights
- The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4 – Elevated to support local requests associated with the explosion at Accurate Energetic System.
- As of 3 p.m. CT, there are no updates regarding fatalities or injuries.
- There are 16 individuals who are unaccounted for.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 for immediate support.
- Accurate Energetic Systems is a privately owned industrial facility that processes ammunition and explosives. They do not manufacture them.
- Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are responding to this incident.
- Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDEC, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TWRA, and more are monitoring the situation and assisting as local jurisdictions request resources.
- The next flash report will be sent tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT.
Current Situation
Response efforts remain underway at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman/Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion.
Due to the extensive debris and the potential presence of explosive materials, response operations continue to progress slowly and methodically. Controlled detonations will be conducted periodically at the site throughout the day to dispose of unstable or hazardous materials safely. Nearby residents may see black smoke and hear or feel the detonations as they occur.
Multiple law enforcement agencies from local, state, and federal levels are actively assisting in operations. The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) National Response Teams are serving as the lead law enforcement authorities on the ground with the assistance of the Fort Campbell Explosive Ordinance Disposal team.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Sixteen individuals remain unaccounted for.
There is no known threat to public health or safety as a result of the explosion. However, the public is urged to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue their work safely and efficiently. Residents who locate debris that may have originated from the explosion are asked to contact their local sheriff’s office. Trained personnel will respond to ensure the safe handling and collection of any debris.
Individuals experiencing emotional distress related to this incident are encouraged to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate mental health support.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the response through Rapid DNA. Rapid DNA is a fully automated process that develops a DNA profile in under 2 hours, depending on the sample type. It is a quick and portable system that allows for on-site DNA analysis to expedite family reunification in the event of a mass disaster.
Rapid DNA uses similar technology to traditional DNA analysis; however, it is specifically designed for samples with large quantities of DNA from one individual. Its effectiveness depends on the condition of the remains. The process begins by developing DNA profiles from family members for comparison with unidentified human remains.
Tennessee Department of Health
The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any fatalities or injuries.
Tennessee Highway Patrol
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is assisting with law enforcement duties as needed.
Tennessee Department of Transportation
All state routes have been reopened. However, avoid the area, if possible, to allow emergency responders to continue their work safely and efficiently. For the most up-to-date road closures, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.
Protective Actions and Key Messages
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 for immediate support.
- Residents who locate debris that may have come from the explosion are asked to contact their local sheriff’s office so trained personnel can respond safely.
- Follow all local guidance.
- Avoid the area to allow emergency responders to operate safely.
- For your safety and to assist responders, please minimize non-emergency calls to the Sheriff’s Office and 9-1-1.
Tennessee EMA photo.