Sopuruchi Onwuka, with agency reports

A munitions and explosives producer, Accurate Energetic Systems (AES), at the weekend suffered explosion at its factory; leaving no survivors at the plant where remains of 16 workers have been confirmed.

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The explosives plant located in rural Tennessee which produces and researches explosives for the United States’ military was left in a smoldering wreck of twisted and charred metal and burned-out vehicles.

The AES, according to public records, handles numerous military contracts, largely by the U.S. Army and Navy, to supply different types of munitions and explosives. The products range from bulk explosives to landmines and small breaching charges, including C4.

When the explosion occurred, residents in Lobelville, a 20-minute drive from the scene, said they felt their homes shake, and some people captured the loud boom of the explosion on their home cameras.

Local reports stated that investigators are on ground at the incinerated property searching for possible evidence and establish the cause of the blast.

County Sheriff in the area, Chris Davis, told newsmen that it could be days, weeks or even months before foul play is ruled out.

Davis said about 300 responders are working in a “slow, methodical method” as they deal with explosive material that has been damaged and remains volatile. An ambulance and a helicopter used for air evacuations were brought in, for the safety of first responders.

The site is located in a heavily wooded area of middle Tennessee, between the economically vital Tennessee River to the west and the bustling metropolis of Nashville to the east. Modest homes dot the wooded landscape, residences belonging to country people.

The company’s website says it processes explosives and ammunition at an eight-building facility that sprawls across wooded hills in the Bucksnort area, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Nashville. It is not immediately known how many people work at the plant or how many were there when the explosion happened.

“We’ve recovered no survivors,” he declared, adding that state officials have brought in a “rapid DNA” team to help identify the remains of people recovered at the site.

Guy McCormick, a supervisory special agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said explosive specialists and bomb technicians are trying to make the area safe for national ATF investigators. He said the nature of the scene can change because of the heat and pressure caused by the explosion.

Accurate Energetic Systems said in a post on social media that the company’s “thoughts and prayers” are with the families and community impacted.

“We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions,” the company stated in an official post about the incident.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee posted on the social platform X that he is monitoring the situation and asked “Tennesseans to join us in prayer for the families impacted by this tragic incident.”

Early Saturday afternoon at the church in McEwen, about 30 people gathered to pray for victims of the explosion and their families. Music played and mourners bowed their heads and closed their eyes. Some knelt at an altar, placing their hands on each others’ backs and shoulders. Some wept softly, among the whispered prayers.

After the vigil, Pastor Farris asked for prayers for first responders.

“This is tiresome physically. This kind of thing weighs on you mentally. They carry that home. They need prayer and encouragement as well,” he said.