Authorities are responding to a massive explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, a manufacturing plant near Bucksnort, Tennessee, approximately 50 miles west of Nashville. The blast, which occurred just before 8 a.m. local time Friday, has resulted in multiple fatalities, with 18 people still unaccounted for.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced on Saturday that it has dispatched its National Response Team, an elite unit of highly trained investigative experts, to assist with the ongoing investigation. The team, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and specialists in explosives, fire, and bombing investigations, is expected to arrive on scene promptly.
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In a statement, the ATF explained that the team includes special agents, certified explosives specialists, bomb technicians, fire protection engineers, chemists, and other experts. The unit has previously investigated high-profile incidents such as the Pentagon attack on 9/11, the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Their primary mission at Accurate Energetic Systems will be to determine the origin and cause of the explosion, as well as to analyze, process, and document the site.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the incident as “one of the most devastating situations” of his career. Among those missing is Jeremy Moore, a longtime employee at the facility who worked in Building 602, according to local reports.
Emergency personnel continue to search the site as families, co-workers, and the local community await updates. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
This is a developing story, and further details will be released as investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the explosion.