Tennessee military explosives plant rocked by deadly blast

A massive explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES), a military explosives manufacturing and testing facility near Bucksnort, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles southwest of Nashville. The blast caused multiple fatalities, with at least one confirmed dead and 19 people reported missing, while others were hospitalized. Secondary explosions continued after the initial blast, preventing emergency responders from safely entering the site. The cause of the explosion remains unknown. The impact of the blast was felt miles away, with residents reporting tremors and shaking homes. AES operates on a 1,300-acre site with eight buildings and a laboratory, producing explosives for military, commercial demolition, and aerospace clients. The company handles large quantities of TNT and holds significant U.S. defense contracts, having completed over $100 million in contracts since 2002. Safety protocols for firefighting at the facility advise using dry powder agents rather than water and emphasize isolating and evacuating the area. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more