Authorities in Tennessee have identified the 16 people killed last week in an explosives plant blast that remains under investigation.
Sheriffs Chris Davis of Humphreys County and Jason Craft of Hickman County identified the victims, who are presumed dead, during a press conference Monday as: Jason Adams, Erick Anderson, Billy Baker, Adam Boatman, Christopher Clark, Mindy Clifton, James Cook, Reyna Gillahan, LaTeisha Mays, Jeremy Moore, Melinda Rainey, Melissa Stafford, Trenton Stewart, Rachel Woodall, Steven Wright and Donald Yowell.
“That’s the names of our 16 souls that we’re still trying to take care of and their families,” an emotional Davis said.
Authorities said 16 people are unaccounted for following Friday morning’s explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in Bucksnort, Hickman County.
Accurate Energetic Systems said in a statement on its website that the explosion occurred at about 7:45 a.m. CDT.
“Emergency response teams and investigative agencies remain on scene, and the situation is under active investigation,” the company said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers and community members affected by this incident.”
Established in 1980, AES says it specializes in the development, manufacture, handling and storage of “a diverse array of energetic products and explosives” for military, aerospace and commercial demolition markets.
It employs about 80 people on the county line between Hickman and Humphreys counties, southwest of Nashville.
The two counties sheriffs’ offices, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, remain the lead law enforcement authorities, with multiple local, state and federal partners assisting.
