Bucksnort, Tennessee, October 11(HS): A catastrophic explosion at an explosives manufacturing plant in Bucksnort, Tennessee, has left 19 people missing and caused devastating damage to the facility, officials confirmed Friday. The blast, described by Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis as so severe that there's nothing to describe, it's gone, leveled a large building at the Accurate Energetics Systems plant, which produces high-grade military explosives including C-4 and TNT.

Several victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some confirmed deceased, though exact casualty figures remain unclear as emergency teams focus on search and rescue amid risks of secondary explosions. Debris was scattered across half a square mile, and residents miles away reported feeling and hearing the explosion.

Authorities, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, have secured the site and launched a thorough and cautious investigation into the cause of the blast. Accurate Energetics Systems has ceased operations following the tragedy, with the plant employing approximately 75 people at the time.This incident marks a tragic chapter for the region, evoking memories of a previous explosion at the site in 2014.

Experts note the inherent hazards in handling explosives but emphasize the importance of strict safety protocols and competent staffing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar