On October 10, 2025, at approximately 7:50 a.m. local time, a catastrophic explosion rocked Accurate Energetic Systems, a munitions manufacturing facility located in the Bucksnort area along the Hickman-Humphreys County line, about 60 miles southwest of Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1980, the plant specializes in producing high-quality energetic products, including explosives, propellants, and ordnance for defense, aerospace, demolition, mining, and commercial applications. Its products are primarily supplied to the United States and allied nations, including NATO countries, for military and industrial use.
The explosion, described by Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis as "very devastating," obliterated an entire building, resulting in multiple confirmed fatalities and several individuals unaccounted for, with estimates ranging from one confirmed death to as many as 19-24 feared dead. Emergency response teams, including the Hickman County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, ATF, and Homeland Security, launched a coordinated response. Ongoing fires and secondary explosions hindered initial rescue efforts, forcing responders to maintain a safe distance.
The blast's impact was felt miles away, shaking homes in nearby Lobelville and Centerville, with residents reporting sensations akin to an earthquake. Security footage captured the deafening boom, and videos showed thick smoke, charred debris, and damaged vehicles at the site. State Route 230 (Tanyard Branch Road) north of I-40 was closed, and authorities urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate emergency operations.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with no official details yet released. Accurate Energetic Systems, which expanded in 2020 with support from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, has not issued a public statement. Recovery efforts continue, and updates are expected as the situation develops.