Massive Explosion at U.S. Military Ammunition Factory in Tennessee; 19 Feared Dead

New York (The Uttam Hindu): A powerful explosion rocked a military explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee, United States, leaving at least 19 people feared dead or missing. According to reports cited by China’s Xinhua News Agency from U.S. media, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed during a Friday afternoon press conference that “19 people are unaccounted for.”

Calling it “one of the most devastating scenes I’ve ever witnessed,” Sheriff Davis said, “There’s nothing left, it’s completely gone.” The blast’s debris reportedly spread over half a square mile, devastating the entire facility and nearby areas. Families of the victims have been plunged into grief as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the blast. Multiple federal and state agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) are jointly working to uncover what led to the explosion.

The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time on Friday. Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates told ABC News that at least 13 people remain missing. Emergency teams have reached the site but are maintaining caution due to fears of secondary explosions. Efforts to contain the fire and assess the extent of destruction are ongoing.