Authorities in Tennessee have released the names of sixteen people killed in a massive explosion that destroyed a munitions factory earlier this month. The blast occurred at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) plant in Hickman County on 10 October, leaving no survivors and devastating the small community of Bucksnort, roughly 56 miles southwest of Nashville.
During a somber news conference outside the wrecked facility, Sheriffs Chris Davis of Humphreys County and Jason Craft of Hickman County read the victims’ names aloud, urging compassion for the grieving families. “We need to take care of them,” Sheriff Davis said, describing the incident as one of the most tragic of his career.
Those killed in the explosion were identified as Jason Adams, Erick Anderson, Billy Baker, Adam Boatman, Christopher Clark, Mindy Clifton, James Cook, Reyna Gillahan, LaTeisha Mays, Jeremy Moore, Melinda Rainey, Melissa Stanford, Trenton Stewart, Rachel Woodall, Steven Wright, and Donald Yowell. Authorities said that while the victims are presumed dead, the process of formally identifying remains is ongoing.
Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are leading the investigation to determine what caused the early-morning blast. The AES plant, which specializes in manufacturing and storing explosives, was completely leveled in the explosion, leaving behind a scene of charred debris visible in aerial footage captured by drones.
The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit community, where many residents either worked at the plant or knew someone who did. Sheriff Davis said one victim had been a local teacher, another a close friend, and another his neighbor’s husband. “This one hits home,” he said quietly.