What to know about the blast at a Tennessee explosives plant that killed 16 people

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities plan to give an update Friday on the massive blast at a Tennessee explosives plant that killed 16 people.

The delicate investigation at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant hasn’t determined the cause of the Oct. 10 explosion, which killed people ages 21 to 60. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has positively identified 14 of the 16 victims using rapid DNA testing, authorities said.

Investigators haven’t said what materials exploded or what ignited the blast. In addition to trying to recover all of the victims’ remains, investigators are also looking for any dangerous materials that might need to be disarmed.

Bridgette Mason, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Friday’s news conference will include “discussion regarding the work that has been done thus far and some information regarding the investigation moving forward.”

One victim’s family has already filed a lawsuit over the deadly blast, and others are expected to follow suit.

What happened at the plant

The blast, which was felt more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, left a smoldering wreck of twisted metal and burned-out vehicles at the factory. Authorities said there were no survivors and that some evidence might have been scattered out over miles.

The company’s sprawling complex in a heavily wooded area of central Tennessee is made up of eight specialized production buildings and a lab. It straddles the Hickman and Humphreys county line in unincorporated Bucksnort, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Nashville.

The company’s customers are in the aerospace, defense, demolition and mining industries.

It has been awarded numerous military contracts, largely by the U.S. Army and Navy, to supply different types of munitions and explosives, according to public records. The products range from bulk explosives to landmines and small breaching charges, including C-4.

The longtime company employs some 150 people, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Its headquarters are in nearby McEwen.

Accurate Energetic Systems CEO Wendell Stinson said in a statement on the company’s website that it is “assisting investigators in every way possible” and that its officials “maintain high industry standards and have regular reviews by state and federal regulators.”

The company started a fund with a local community foundation to help solicit donations for affected families.

Lawsuit filed over the explosion

Last week, a lawsuit was filed in state court on behalf of the 9-year-old daughter of Jeremy Moore, who was killed in the blast.

The suit was filed against AAC Investments, LLC, which is a company closely tied to Accurate Energetic Systems. The lawsuit claims AAC was the owner, operator and manager of the factory and that the explosion happened because AAC did not maintain a “reasonably safe factory” for the explosives work.

Moore, 37, cherished spending time with and supporting his daughter at cheerleading, softball or any adventure she wanted to do, according to his obituary.

Lee Coleman, the attorney for Moore’s family, said the complaint could be amended once further details become available, and that additional defendants could be added.

A company spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit.

___

Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed to this report.