Flash Report #8 Explosion in Hickman County

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 02:30pm

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 2 p.m. CT, there are no updates regarding fatalities or injuries.
  • There are 16 individuals that are unaccounted for.
  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 for immediate support.
  • 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 resources are requested by local jurisdictions.
  • This will be the last flash report.

 

Current Situation

Response operations continue at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman and Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion. Multiple local, state, and federal agencies remain engaged in coordinated recovery and investigative efforts. The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, continue to serve as the lead law enforcement authorities on scene, supported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and other state partners.

Given the extensive debris, hazardous materials, and the need to ensure responder safety, operations will remain slow and methodical. Teams continue to carefully assess and clear the site of any remaining explosive hazards before proceeding with full recovery activities.

As the response transitions toward long-term investigation and recovery, future updates will be issued through local authorities and partner agencies, as warranted. This will serve as the final Flash Report from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency regarding the AES explosion.

The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level 4 – Elevated to support coordination among response partners and to provide ongoing assistance to local officials as recovery continues.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the response through Rapid DNA. Rapid DNA is the fully automated process of developing a DNA profile in less than 2 hours, depending on the sample type. It is a quick and portable system that allows for on-site DNA analysis to expedite family reunification in the event of a mass disaster. 

Rapid DNA uses similar technology as traditional DNA analysis; however, it is specifically designed for samples with large quantities of DNA from one individual. Its effectiveness depends on the condition of the remains. The process starts with developing DNA profiles from family members to compare to any unidentified human remains. 

 

Tennessee Department of Health

The Tennessee Department of Health has not reported any fatalities or injuries. The state’s medical examiner remains onsite assisting with the response alongside law enforcement officials. 

 

Tennessee Highway Patrol

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

 

Tennessee Department of Transportation

All state routes have been reopened. However, avoid the area, if possible, to allow emergency responders to continue their work safely and efficiently. For the most up to date road closures, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website.

 

 Key Messages

  • If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 for immediate support.
  • 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. Please follow 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.