Overview
- Authorities set the confirmed death toll at 16 after revising initial counts when some people first listed as missing were found elsewhere.
- The explosion obliterated at least one building at Accurate Energetic Systems near McEwen/Bucksnort, leaving a large, smoldering debris field visible in aerial footage.
- Sheriff Chris Davis said no survivors are expected among the previously unaccounted for, with recovery hampered by hazardous conditions and earlier secondary detonations.
- FBI and ATF teams are leading the probe, which has not identified a cause and may take days or longer; the company described the event as a tragic accident.
- The facility produces high‑explosive compositions for military and commercial clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, and the blast was felt miles away, prompting area closures.