A devastating explosion ripped through a military explosives company in Humphreys County, Tennessee, leaving several people dead and others still unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
The blast occurred early Friday morning at a facility known for producing high-powered military-grade explosives. Witnesses from nearby neighborhoods described hearing a “massive boom” that shook homes and sent a large plume of smoke rising into the sky.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed during a press briefing that there were multiple fatalities, though he declined to release an exact number pending family notifications. “We do have some folks — we can confirm that we do have some that are deceased,” Sheriff Davis said solemnly.
Emergency responders from multiple counties rushed to the scene, but officials warned that the situation remained highly unstable due to the nature of the materials involved. Parts of the facility continued to burn hours after the explosion, forcing crews to take extreme caution.
David Stewart with Hickman County Emergency Services stated earlier in the day that officials could not yet determine “the extent of damage or injuries” due to the ongoing risk of secondary explosions. “We’re still trying to get eyes on the entire site safely,” Stewart said.
Residents living within several miles of the plant were urged to shelter in place as hazmat teams tested the air for possible contamination. Roads leading to the facility were immediately closed, and local schools were placed on temporary lockdown as a precaution.
One witness, a truck driver passing through the area, said, “It looked like a fireball went straight into the sky — I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with federal and state agencies — including the ATF and OSHA — expected to assist in the inquiry.
As night fell, emergency crews continued to search through the smoldering wreckage, hoping to locate those still missing. Sheriff Davis described the situation as “heartbreaking,” saying, “This is a close-knit community. Everyone knows someone who works there.”
Authorities are expected to release more information as recovery efforts continue into the weekend.