A devastating explosion leaves many dead and 19 missing

It is a tragedy for which no society was ever prepared. What started as an ordinary Friday morning quickly turned into a nightmare for the residents of McEwen, Tennessee. A massive explosion at a local explosives manufacturing facility rocks the region, leaving behind devastation, unanswered questions and a town in mourning.

Related to: A man has been arrested after a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 19-year-old at South Carolina State University

Deadly explosion at an explosives factory, and 19 missing

According to officialsThe explosion occurred around 7:48 a.m. at Accurate Energetic Systems, a company that supplies explosives to the military, aerospace and mining industries. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis It was confirmed that there were deathsAlthough he did not publish an official number. What’s worse is that 19 people are still missing. “This was probably one of the most devastating situations I’ve ever been through in my career.“ Al-Sharif said, clearly emotional during the interview Press conference Friday afternoon. In addition, many people were transferred to nearby hospitals, despite their conditions They have not been released.

“It’s over” – The explosion led to the evacuation of the entire building

Authorities say one of the facility’s buildings was completely destroyed Obliterated by the explosion. “There is nothing to describe. He’s gone“,” Davis added. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Department of Homeland Security and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, have joined the ongoing investigation. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but Sheriff Davis explained that this will not be a quick clean-up. “We’ll probably be here for a few days“,” Stressing that the focus is on the families and victims first. AES is said to be cooperating Completely with the authoritiesAnd also work to understand what went wrong.

The shock waves were felt miles away, and residents spoke loudly

The explosion not only affected the facility, but shook homes miles away. local one, Lauren Rourke told reporters, “It felt like our house had some kind of explosion.” She added“,”I jumped out of bed and asked my husband: What is this?“ Another resident, Cady Arnold, said she was used to slight booms from the plant — but this was different. “The explosion was so powerful it shook my house, I literally thought the back of my house had exploded.“ Both women, like many others In the McQueen communitystill reeling. “We are a very close-knit community and we are all devastated and heartbroken.“ Arnold said.

Related to: Bronx apartment building partially collapses after explosion, officials provide updates (Video)