Flash Report #3 Explosion in Hickman County

Highlights

• The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4 – Elevated to support local requests associated with the explosion at Accurate Energetic System.
• As of 10 a.m. CT, there are no updates regarding fatalities or injuries.
• Eighteen individuals remain unaccounted for.
• Accurate Energetic Systems is a privately owned industrial facility that processes ammunition and explosives. They do not manufacture them.
• The TBI Missing Persons hotline has been established. (1-800-TBI-FIND/1-800-824-3463)
• Accurate Energetic Systems has established a family assistance center.
• Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are responding to this incident.
• Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDEC, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TWRA, and more are monitoring the situation and assisting as local jurisdictions request resources.
• The next flash report will be sent on October 11 at 3 p.m. CT.

Current Situation

As of October 11, response efforts continue following the October 10 explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman/Humphreys counties. Emergency responders from across the region remain on scene, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to support local officials through the deployment of District Coordinators and coordination of state resources.

A total of 18 local, state, and federal agencies are actively engaged in the ongoing response and investigation. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. At this time, there are no updates regarding confirmed fatalities.

As of 6:00 p.m. CT on October 10, 18 individuals remain unaccounted for. One person who was initially believed to be on site was located safely at home. Investigators are still working to confirm exactly who was at the facility yesterday morning, and family notifications are ongoing.

There is no known threat to public health or safety as a result of the explosion. However, the public is urged to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue their work safely and efficiently.

Residents who locate debris that may have originated from the explosion are asked to contact their local sheriff’s office. Trained personnel will respond to ensure the safe handling and collection of any debris.

Accurate Energetic Systems has established a Family Assistance Center to support families impacted by the incident. The center is providing information, emotional support, and other resources.

TEMA has also provided logistical support, including pallets of water, communications equipment, and personnel to assist local emergency management operations. The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level 4 – Elevated to support ongoing coordination.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has established a hotline (1-800-TBI-FIND/1-800-824-3463) to coordinate reports of missing persons. Callers should be prepared to relay specific information about the missing individuals.

Tennessee Department of Health

The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any fatalities or injuries.

Tennessee Highway Patrol

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is assisting with law enforcement duties as needed.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

There are several road closures as a result of this incident. Avoid the area if possible. For updated road closures, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.

Protective Actions and Key Messages

•  Residents who locate debris that may have come from the explosion are asked to contact their local sheriff’s office so trained personnel can respond safely.
• Follow all local guidance.
• Avoid the area to allow emergency responders to operate safely.
• For your safety and to assist responders, please minimize non-emergency calls to the Sheriff’s Office and 9-1-1.