NASHVILLE, TN– Authorities plan to provide an update on Friday on the massive incident An explosion in Tennessee killed 16 people Earlier this month in Explosives factoryThe exhaustive and ongoing investigations have not yet determined the cause of the explosion.
Explosion on October 10 In the plant claimed micro power systems The lives of people aged 21 to 60 years. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation identified 14 of the 16 victims using “rapid DNA” technology, authorities said.
There has been no announcement yet about the specific materials that exploded, or what ignited the explosion. The investigation includes careful searches for the remains of the two victims and for any dangerous materials that must be disarmed.
Bridget Mason, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Friday’s news conference will include “a discussion regarding the work done to date and some information related to moving forward with the investigation.”
The cause has not been determined, Mason said.
Already, one victim’s family has filed a lawsuit over the death of a loved one, and some law firms have posted online resources for relatives of those who died.
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 were no survivors and that some evidence may have been scattered miles away.
The company’s 1,300-acre (526 ha) complex in a densely forested area of middle Tennessee consists of eight different specialized production buildings and a laboratory. It straddles the Hickman and Humphreys county line in unincorporated Bucksnort County, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Nashville.
The company’s clients include the aerospace, defense, demolition and mining industries.
It has been awarded numerous military contracts, largely by the U.S. Army and Navy, to supply various types of munitions and explosives, according to public records. Products range from bulk explosives to landmines and small penetration charges, including C4.
The long-established and well-known company in the area employs about 150 people, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. It is headquartered in nearby McEwen.
Wendell Stinson, CEO of Accurate Energetic Systems, 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 conduct regular reviews by state and federal regulators.”
The company has set up a fund with a local community foundation to help raise donations for affected families.
Last week, a lawsuit was filed in state court on behalf of Jeremy Moore’s 9-year-old daughter, who was killed in the explosion.
The legal challenge was brought against AAC Investments, LLC, a company closely associated with Accurate Energetic Systems. The lawsuit alleges that AAC is the owner, operator and manager of the plant and that the explosion occurred because AAC did not maintain a “reasonably safe plant” for its explosives business.
Moore, 37, enjoyed spending time with his daughter and supporting her in cheerleading, softball or any adventure she wanted to take on, his obituary says.
Lee Coleman, an attorney for the Moore family, said the complaint could be amended once more details are available and additional defendants can be added.
A spokesperson for Accurate Energetic Systems declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.
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Adrian Saenz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed to this report.