Bucksnort, Tennessee — A powerful explosion ripped through the Accurate Energetic Systems facility early Thursday morning, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty across the quiet community of Bucksnort. The blast, which occurred just before 8 a.m., has left nineteen workers unaccounted for, and officials fear that at least one person may have lost their life in the incident.

Authorities said the workers had only just begun their morning shift when the ground erupted beneath them. The explosion’s force was so immense that it sent a plume of smoke and debris high into the air, visible from several miles away. Residents across Hickman and Humphreys counties reported hearing a thunderous roar followed by multiple smaller detonations that continued to shake the ground.

Accurate Energetic Systems, located near the county line, manufactures and stores explosives for both defense and demolition purposes. The nature of its materials made the site particularly hazardous for first responders, who were forced to delay rescue operations as secondary explosions rattled the area. Emergency crews had to wait for fire officials and explosive experts to declare sections of the plant stable before they could move in.

Local authorities immediately set up an emergency perimeter and urged residents to avoid the area. Homes within a two-mile radius experienced shattered windows, and power lines were knocked down by the shockwave. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with workers running from the site covered in dust and debris, some clutching injuries from flying shrapnel.

Families of employees were instructed to report to Gate 3 of the facility, where company representatives and local emergency management teams were working to gather information. For many, the wait for updates has been agonizing. Officials said rescue efforts are ongoing, but unstable conditions within the plant continue to pose significant risks.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has joined the investigation, alongside the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and local fire departments. The focus remains on locating the missing individuals and determining what triggered the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest the blast originated in one of the storage units containing high-powered materials.

Authorities have not yet confirmed any fatalities, but one worker is believed to have died in the explosion. The search for survivors has been complicated by repeated flare-ups and structural collapses within the site. Specialized equipment, including thermal imaging drones, has been deployed to scan the wreckage for heat signatures.

Nearby communities such as Wrigley and Centerville felt the tremors from the blast, with several residents reporting that their homes shook violently. Local schools were placed on temporary lockdown until officials determined that the threat of additional explosions had subsided.

As rescue teams continue their search, local churches and community centers have opened their doors to offer support, food, and shelter to affected families. The tragedy has deeply shaken the close-knit community, which has long relied on the plant as one of its main employers. Officials have extended their deepest sympathies to everyone touched by this devastating event.