McEWEN, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities on Monday identified the 16 people killed in a devastating blast at a rural Tennessee explosives plant last week, as investigators promised a painstaking process to figure out what happened by finding pieces of evidence that may now be miles apart.
At a news conference, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis revealed that many in the close-knit community likely knew friends or relatives of the victims lost in the explosion that occurred Friday at the plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, a supplier and research facility for military explosives. “It’s just small county, rural America, where everybody knows each other and everybody’s gonna take care of each other,” Davis stated.
As community members turned to Sunday worship services to cope with their grief, The Log Church in Waverly stood out. It hosted a memorial service for its pastor, Trent Stewart, who was among the deceased. Stepping away from their regular service, the church focused on prayer and reflection, with a heartfelt post made by the church’s associate pastor, Charlie Musick, indicating a surge of support for Stewart's family.
Stewart’s fiancé, Katy Stover, expressed gratitude for the turnout, saying the service brought smiles through tears, honoring the memory of Trent and the other victims.
Reyna Gillahan, another victim, was remembered by her daughter who began a fundraising initiative to support their family's future dreams after the tragic incident. “She was a beautiful soul — loving, strong, and always thinking of others before herself,” her daughter wrote on social media.
The names of the victims were read aloud by officials alongside the grim reality that there were no survivors from the explosion, which shook the ground for more than 20 miles.
The scene left behind was devastating. Authorities have begun efforts to clear the hazardous area of unexploded explosives while collecting evidence. Matthew Belew, acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, emphasized that investigation would be meticulous, like putting a puzzle back together with remnants scattered over a vast area. Investigators must analyze building plans and photos to piece together the chain of events leading to the explosion.
With the complex housing eight specialized production buildings straddling Hickman and Humphreys County, Accurate Energetic Systems reported adherence to safety and security standards. However, the community’s concern remains as families grapple with this devastating loss.
At a news conference, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis revealed that many in the close-knit community likely knew friends or relatives of the victims lost in the explosion that occurred Friday at the plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, a supplier and research facility for military explosives. “It’s just small county, rural America, where everybody knows each other and everybody’s gonna take care of each other,” Davis stated.
As community members turned to Sunday worship services to cope with their grief, The Log Church in Waverly stood out. It hosted a memorial service for its pastor, Trent Stewart, who was among the deceased. Stepping away from their regular service, the church focused on prayer and reflection, with a heartfelt post made by the church’s associate pastor, Charlie Musick, indicating a surge of support for Stewart's family.
Stewart’s fiancé, Katy Stover, expressed gratitude for the turnout, saying the service brought smiles through tears, honoring the memory of Trent and the other victims.
Reyna Gillahan, another victim, was remembered by her daughter who began a fundraising initiative to support their family's future dreams after the tragic incident. “She was a beautiful soul — loving, strong, and always thinking of others before herself,” her daughter wrote on social media.
The names of the victims were read aloud by officials alongside the grim reality that there were no survivors from the explosion, which shook the ground for more than 20 miles.
The scene left behind was devastating. Authorities have begun efforts to clear the hazardous area of unexploded explosives while collecting evidence. Matthew Belew, acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, emphasized that investigation would be meticulous, like putting a puzzle back together with remnants scattered over a vast area. Investigators must analyze building plans and photos to piece together the chain of events leading to the explosion.
With the complex housing eight specialized production buildings straddling Hickman and Humphreys County, Accurate Energetic Systems reported adherence to safety and security standards. However, the community’s concern remains as families grapple with this devastating loss.
