Tragic Explosion at Tennessee Plant Kills 16

News outlets report a massive explosion on October 10, 2025, at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) explosives manufacturing plant in Centerville, near McEwen, Tennessee. Tragically, the event killed 16 people, placing it among the state’s deadliest industrial accidents. The blast spread debris over a two-mile area and could be felt up to 15 miles away. Sadly, workers in certain industrial plants face extreme risks every day. For those injured, the families of the victims who lost their lives in the explosion, and the greater community, the incident is a life-changing tragedy.

What happened at Accurate Energetic Systems?

According to reports, the explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. Friday during the plant’s early shift. The initial blast set off a series of secondary explosions and fires throughout the site. More than 300 search and rescue personnel combed through the debris, but found no survivors. Local officials described the site as “the most devastating scene” they’d ever witnessed. The authorities are now using DNA testing to identify the victims.

The families of the 16 people killed have been notified. One of the victims has been identified as Melissa Dawn Stanford, a 53-year-old production supervisor.

Three people also sustained injuries related to the explosion.

The community is now in mourning and held candlelight vigils in Centerville and McEwen. Counseling and mental health services are being offered to affected families and students at the local schools.

The investigation is ongoing

Currently, the ATF, FBI, and local sheriff’s offices from Humphreys and Hickman Counties are leading the investigation. These officials are using cell tower data to identify which employees were on-site at the time of the blast. Given the nature of the factory, there are obstacles that are slowing the recovery process, including live ordnance and unstable chemicals. Controlled detonations are underway to safely neutralize remaining explosives.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Investigators have not ruled out chemical reactions, storage failures, or safety protocol breaches. Statements indicate that investigators are collecting employment and maintenance records from AES.

Accurate Energetic Systems: Company background information

AES manufactures military and demolition explosives. It supplies these to the U.S. Department of Defense and industrial clients. There are five production buildings and a quality laboratory on the 1,300-acre site. AES was recently awarded a $120 million DoD contract for TNT procurement.

In 2019, OSHA fined AES for violations involving protective equipment and training deficiencies. The facility reported 46 workplace injuries from 2016 until this event, but none of the past incidents resulted in fatalities. There was a fatal explosion at the site in 2014, but it involved a different company, which was leasing space at the facility.

The human toll on the community

The tight-knit community is suffering the loss of many long-term residents who have family ties throughout the area. Local officials stated that they personally knew some of the victims. The plant was a major employer in the community and had roughly 80 workers.

Common causes of industrial explosions

While the cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time, there are several common issues that are involved in many industrial explosions, including:

• Poorly maintained or defective equipment
• Mishandling or improper explosive storage
• Failure to follow OSHA and other federal safety regulations
• Inadequate employee training or protective gear
• Unsafe chemical processes or reactions
• Insufficient hazard communication or warning systems
• Negligent supervision or failure to maintain a safe workplace

More information regarding this explosion will likely be forthcoming as the investigation proceeds.

Legal rights for victims and families

Plant explosion cases are complicated and often involve multiple liable parties. Those responsible may include employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, or suppliers. However, determining the cause can take time and careful investigation. Proving fault may mean relying on expert testimony, engineering analysis, and the results of forensic investigations.

Those who lost loved ones in this explosion may need to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages that can help offset their losses – not just funeral and burial costs, but also the loss of income from breadwinners, which can leave families struggling.

There might be possible product liability claims as well, involving defective machinery or components that could have contributed to the explosion. It’s also possible that negligence or safety violation claims could result against the company or third-party contractors.

For those who might be able to pursue a claim, it’s critical to seek counsel from an experienced personal injury and workplace accident lawyer right away.

Harris Lowry Manton LLP has proven experience in workplace explosion claims

At Harris Lowry Manton LLP, our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic industrial explosions, including those suffering burns, traumatic injuries, and wrongful death. Our past cases include the Imperial Sugar explosion, which was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history.

We work with engineers, fire investigators, and OSHA experts to determine what went wrong, prove liability, and hold negligent parties accountable. Our track record of success includes large verdicts and settlements in workplace explosion, product defect, and other types of personal injury claims.

Fighting back after a workplace disaster

The families and loved ones of the 16 people who lost their lives in this explosion deserve answers and accountability. At Harris Lowry Manton, our attorneys have the resources and experience to investigate industrial explosions and fight on behalf of injured workers and grieving families.

If the Accurate Energetic Systems explosion in Centerville, near McEwen, Tennessee, impacted you or a loved one, or if you’ve been affected by another serious workplace accident, contact Harris Lowry Manton LLP. We offer free consultations and represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning we only recover if your claim reaches a successful settlement or jury verdict. Call us or fill out our online contact form today to speak to one of our dedicated workplace accident lawyers.