Multiple people dead, unaccounted for after explosion at Tennessee military explosives facility

Multiple people are dead or unaccounted for after an explosion occurred on Friday morning at a Tennessee military explosives facility, according to officials

At least 19 people were unaccounted for, local TV station WTVF initially reported.

The Hickman County Sheriff's Office said the explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems, a military explosives plant, and that emergency services are responding, CBS News reported. The plant is about 60 miles southwest of Nashville.

Humphrey County Sheriff Chris Davis said there were several people unaccounted for and some confirmed deaths, but didn't offer specifics. 

"We do have several people at this time unaccounted for. We are trying to be mindful of families and that situation," Davis said. "We do have some that are deceased."  

He also warned there could be continued small explosions at the site.

Davis called the explosion "devastating," and said the cause was not immediately known, but the investigation could take days.

Hickman County Advanced EMT David Stewart told the Associated Press that emergency crews were initially unable to enter the plant because of continuing detonations.

“This is a tragedy for our community,” McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford told the AP.

Video footage shows debris, burned cars, and small fires at the site.

Accurate Energetic Systems develops, manufactures, handles, and stores products and explosives for military, aerospace, and commercial demolition markets.