At the Accurate Energetic Systems facility in Tennessee, USA, a powerful explosion occurred on Friday, October 10th. According to preliminary reports, 18 individuals are presumed dead or missing. This was reported by ABC News.

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis confirmed in a press conference that there are «some» casualties, though he did not specify the exact number. According to the County Emergency Agency, as of Friday evening, 18 individuals remain either missing or deceased.

Initially, authorities reported 19 casualties, but later clarified that one person, who was thought to be at the factory, was found safe at home.

Officials are still working to confirm who was present at the site on Friday morning.

«I always hope for the best. Is there a chance that someone could be injured elsewhere, or that there are others we don’t know about? Yes,» said Davis, addressing concerns about the missing persons.

According to the sheriff, four to five individuals were taken to hospitals, but he did not disclose the nature of their injuries.

Davis reported that representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were on the scene. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

When asked to describe the building where the explosion occurred, he replied, «There’s nothing to describe. It’s gone.»

AES is «cooperating with us in every possible way,» Davis added.

According to the company’s website, Accurate Energetic Systems manufactures explosives and energetic devices for military, aerospace, mining, and demolition purposes. The U.S. Army Association indicates that its clients include the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.