By Harshit | October 11, 2025 | Centerville, Tennessee 6:48 AM EDT
Early Morning Blast Devastates Community
A powerful explosion ripped through Accurate Energetic Systems (AES), a military and industrial explosives manufacturer in central Tennessee, early Friday morning, leaving an entire building destroyed and at least 18 people reported dead or missing. The blast, which occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time, was felt as far as 15 miles away, rattling homes and sending debris across at least half a square mile.
Residents described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. “I thought the house had collapsed with me inside of it,” said Gentry Stover, a local resident. Cody Warren, living over 20 miles from the plant, told CNN he initially thought lightning or a meteor had struck his house.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis called the explosion “the most devastating scene that I’ve seen in my career” and urged the community to stay away from the site for safety reasons. “We need our communities to come together and understand that we’ve lost a lot of people,” he said, noting that victims include close friends and neighbors.
Emergency Response and Investigation
More than 300 emergency personnel were deployed to the scene at the height of the response. Officials continue to search for survivors and work to identify fatalities. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is sending a response team, expected to arrive Saturday, and will co-lead the investigation alongside the FBI and local sheriff’s offices.
Authorities are using cell phone tower data to help determine which employees were inside the plant at the time of the blast. This involves matching employees’ phone numbers with tower records to locate devices during the explosion. Sheriff Davis emphasized that families are going through “a gauntlet of emotions” as officials work to contact next-of-kin.
Company Overview and Community Impact
Accurate Energetic Systems produces high explosives and specialty products for military and industrial use, employing roughly 80 people. The plant spans 1,300 acres in a rural area near the border of Hickman and Humphreys counties, about 60 miles west of Nashville. The facility includes five production buildings and a quality lab for product evaluation.
“Tennessee State Senator Kerry Roberts described AES as ‘a well-loved company in the area,’ noting its employees often participate in local community events,” according to local reports. The blast is expected to have a devastating impact on families and the community, given the plant’s close ties to Centerville residents.
History of Accidents and Safety Concerns
The plant has experienced deadly incidents in the past and faced federal fines over workplace safety. In April 2014, an explosion in a building used for shotgun ammunition killed one worker and injured four others. OSHA cited the company for violations including inadequate personal protective equipment, insufficient safety training, and employee exposure to contaminants. AES contested the findings and eventually reached a formal settlement.
Since 2016, AES has reported 46 work-related injuries, with the most recent year of available data, 2024, noting five injuries and one illness. Despite these incidents, no workplace deaths were reported in recent years until Friday’s catastrophic explosion.
Official Statements
AES CEO Wendall Stinson expressed condolences and described the incident as a “tragic accident.” He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident.”
Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates said it remains unclear how many employees were present during the early morning shift. “It’s going to be an investigation that’s probably going to go on for days,” he said. Officials continue to urge residents to report debris safely and avoid the site while emergency personnel manage the situation.
