NUNNELLY, TN — NUNNELY, Tenn. (AP) — Just miles away from a rural Tennessee mill that was leveled by… Devastating explosionfollowers of Maple Valley Baptist Church dedicated their Sunday service 16 victims deceased And their families.
Many of the dozens of worshipers in the small church knew someone who worked at the plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, which supplies and researches explosives for the military and is a well-known employer in the area.
“There’s kind of a sombre atmosphere right now in the community just because so many lives have been affected by it,” said Pastor Jimmy Andrews of the church in Nunnelly. “Family and friends are just trying to support each other during this difficult time.”
Churches in several small, tight-knit communities in the area, including another church attended by Gov. Bill Lee on Sunday, did the same with vigils and services as many tried to make sense of the devastation.
“The losses are amazing,” Lee told reporters after inspecting the damage by helicopter and attending the Church of Mercy in nearby Waverley.
The cause of Friday’s explosion is still under investigation. Crews were carefully examining the burned property for possible evidence. Authorities warned of smaller, controlled explosions on Sunday to get rid of hazardous materials.
“Extraordinary precautions were taken to prevent further damage and injury,” the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The surrounding community is safe but you may hear noise and see some smoke.”
The initial explosion was felt more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, sending a flaming wreckage of twisted and charred metal and burning vehicles into the factory. Authorities said there was No survivors. The identity of the deceased had not been identified as of Sunday.
The plant is located in a densely forested area in central Tennessee, between the vibrant Tennessee River to the west and Nashville to the east.
Brandon Brick, 42, said many in the area depend on “church families” to get through. He attended Maple Valley Baptist.
“It was a tragic time,” he added. “We will withdraw.”
The McEwen community lowered their flags to half-staff on Saturday in respect. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening outside the Humphreys County Courthouse. Schools in the district said counseling services will be available to students on Monday.
“We will continue to play a supportive role for those affected in any way we can because they are our friends, neighbors and citizens in our community,” McEwen Mayor Brad Rashford said in an email Sunday.
Andrews, pastor of Maple Valley Baptist Church, asked the congregation to take care of each other.
“Lord, I just pray that we lift up those who are still suffering from this tragic event,” he said.
___
Taryn reported from Chicago.