Several people killed in ‘devastating explosion’ at Tennessee explosives manufacturer: Sheriff

According to authorities, several people have died after a “devastating explosion” at an explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee on Friday.

The explosion occurred Friday morning at Accurate Energetic Systems in McEwen, located about 50 miles west of Nashville.

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed to reporters that there are “some” deaths and several people missing in the explosion, although he did not give specific numbers.

At least 13 people are missing, Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates told ABC News.

“We have a very large investigation,” Davis said during a news conference. “This isn’t going to be something like a car accident or something, where we’re just going to clean up the debris and leave. We’ll probably be here for a few days.”

“We are trying to take as much time as necessary at this time. We are prioritizing the people involved, their families and trying to be very compassionate with them,” he continued.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were among the agencies that responded to the scene, Davis said.

Accurate Energetic Systems manufactures explosives and energy devices for the military, aerospace, demolition and mining industries, according to its website.

Its clients include the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, according to the United States Army Association.

The explosion occurred at 7:48 a.m. local time and destroyed one of the facility’s buildings, authorities said.

Video from a Nest camera at a home in Lobelville, about 11 miles from the plant, captured shaking while an explosion was heard.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.