The Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office reported that Friday’s explosion at an explosives manufacturing facility in McEwen is believed to have resulted in 16 fatalities.
The explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems, a privately owned facility that processes ammunition and explosives, on Friday morning. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
“At approximately 7:45am on October 10, 2025, there was a tragic accident at our facility. Emergency response teams and investigative agencies remain on scene, and the situation is under active investigation,” Accurate Energetic Systems writes on its website.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions,” the company adds.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said during a Saturday press conference that authorities had narrowed down the number of workers missing after the massive blast to 16 – all of which are believed to be deceased.
“At this time we have not located any survivors, and we are making the assumption that all are deceased at this time,” Davis said. “We are dealing with explosions, and I would say at this time, we’re dealing with remains.”
In describing the scene after the blast, Davis said it was “the most devastating scene that I’ve seen in my career.”
NewsChannel5 covered the devastation on video, which was picked up be several news outlets.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting at the scene by using Rapid DNA technology to help identify the victims and return their remains to their families.
Due to hazardous materials and significant debris at the site, controlled detonations were carried out at the scene throughout Saturday and Sunday in order for law enforcement to continue recovery efforts and proceed with the investigation into the blast.
Law enforcement efforts are being led by the Hickman and Humphreys County Sheriff’s Offices in collaboration with the ATF National Response Teams and Fort Campbell’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
On Sunday, Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee surveyed the scene and met with local officials of Hickman and Humphreys County.
“We continue to pray for the families & communities that will be forever changed by this tragedy,” Lee said.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is urging those experiencing a mental health crisis due to the fatal blast at Accurate Energetic Systems to call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Food donations are reportedly being coordinated through Valerie Woodall, Hickman County EMA, at 931-994-2772. Additional support is being raised through a GoFundMe campaign.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Images “NewsChannel5 – Accurate Energetic Systems explosion footage” by NewsChannel5.
