Overview

• Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed fatalities and said authorities are searching for 19 people after Friday morning’s blast near Bucksnort/McEwen.
• The building was obliterated, with the sheriff describing the scene as the most devastating of his career and debris scattered across the site.
• Reports of secondary explosions and ongoing hazards have kept rescuers at a distance, and residents have been urged to avoid the area.
• The cause remains unknown, and officials say the probe will take several days with federal agencies including the ATF and FBI assisting on site.
• Accurate Energetic Systems manufactures and stores high explosives and specialty items for military, aerospace and demolition markets, with clients including the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.