Investigation Continues into Deadly Tennessee Explosives Plant Explosion

Tue Oct 14 2025 03:59:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Authorities have identified 16 victims of a catastrophic explosion at an explosives plant in Tennessee, as families mourn their loved ones and investigators begin their daunting task of uncovering the cause of the incident.

The Humphreys County community is grappling with the loss of 16 individuals killed in an explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems, a local explosives manufacturer. As the grieving process unfolds, authorities begin finding evidence from the devastating blast, while local churches hold memorials for the victims.

McEWEN, Tenn. (RTW News) — Authorities on Monday identified the 16 people killed in a devastating blast at a rural Tennessee explosives plant last week. Investigators face a challenging task as they search for evidence potentially scattered over miles.

At a news conference, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis acknowledged the close-knit nature of the community, where most residents are likely acquainted with victims. The tragedy hit hard in a small county where everyone looks out for one another.

As families cope with grief, many have turned to local churches for support. One congregation mourns their lost pastor, Trent Stewart, who served at The Log Church in Waverly. The church canceled its usual Sunday services for a prayer gathering in his honor.

“It was overwhelming to see how many people turned out to honor him and all the other victims,” said Stewart's fiancée, Katy Stover. “He had a way of making everyone feel seen and loved.”

Meanwhile, Reyna Gillahan's daughter has initiated fundraisers to honor her late mother, who aspired to keep their family home. These efforts exemplify the community's resilience in the face of tragedy.

The sheriff’s office announced on Monday the names of the victims: Jason Adams, Billy Baker, Christopher Clark, James Cook, LaTeisha Mays, Melinda Rainey, Steven Wright, Erick Anderson, Adam Boatman, Mindy Clifton, Jeremy Moore, Melissa Stafford, Rachel Woodall, and Donald Yowell.

The explosion's intensity was felt over 20 miles away, resulting in a scene of destruction at the plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems. There were no survivors among the 16 victims, leading to a somber atmosphere as families begin to pick up the pieces.

Authorities are working to clear the destruction and hazardous materials to proceed with their investigation into the explosion's cause. The area around the plant is heavily wooded and encompasses a 1,300-acre complex with numerous specialized facilities.

Matthew Belew, the acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, noted, We are methodically piecing together the evidence to understand what caused this tragedy. Investigation efforts will continue as the community mourns and honors the lives lost.