On Friday morning, an explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems, an explosives manufacturing facility located near Bucksnort in Hickman County, as reported by WSMV4. The Hickman County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that there are multiple fatalities associated with the incident, and emergency response teams are currently on-site to manage the situation. Authorities are urging the public to steer clear of the area to ensure that first responders can carry out their duties without hindrance.
Reports indicate that several individuals are unaccounted for, and at least one person has been confirmed dead. Additionally, multiple individuals have been hospitalized as a result of the explosion, according to a representative from Humphreys County Emergency Management.
In response to the ongoing emergency, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has closed State Route 230, also referred to as Tanyard Branch Road, north of Interstate 40 in the vicinity of Bucksnort. This closure is part of the efforts to facilitate the emergency response.
Accurate Energetic Systems, LLC, which was founded in 1980, focuses on the development, manufacturing, handling, and storage of energetic products intended for both defense and commercial applications. In a notable development in 2020, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced plans for the expansion of the company’s operations in McEwen, close to Bucksnort. This expansion was projected to create approximately 80 new jobs at the 1,300-acre facility that spans both Humphreys and Hickman counties, where AES operates a comprehensive laboratory and testing range.
This situation is still unfolding, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.