URGENT: Explosion at Tennessee Factory Claims 16 Lives, Sheriff Confirms

BREAKING NEWS: Explosion at Tennessee Factory Claims 16 Lives, Sheriff Confirms A devastating explosion at an explosives factory in rural Tennessee has left 16 people dead with no survivors, authorities confirmed early Friday morning. The blast occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems plant in McEwen, Tennessee, around 2am local time. The sheriff's department said the cause of the explosion is still unknown and investigators are combing through the wreckage for evidence. The factory supplies and researches explosives for the military, and the blast was felt for miles around. Witnesses described a massive fireball erupting from the plant, leaving behind a smoldering wreck of twisted metal and burned-out vehicles. Sheriff Chris Davis held a news conference, visibly shaken by the tragedy. "We've recovered no survivors," he said, asking for prayers for the families of the victims. The community is in shock as residents gather at a vigil to honor the victims. Senior pastor Tim Farris noted that many in attendance are struggling to come to terms with the loss. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*