Local News
First Victim of Deadly Explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in Tennessee ID’d as Trent Stewart
TENNESSEE — Authorities have identified Trent Stewart as the first confirmed victim who is considered as missing in Friday’s catastrophic explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in Middle Tennessee.
The devastating blast — described by investigators as a “mass detonation” — completely leveled a building at the explosives manufacturing facility and left nineteen people dead or unaccounted for, officials said Saturday.
In the hours following the explosion, Stewart’s fiancée, Katy Stover, shared an emotional statement describing the uncertainty and anguish families are enduring as they await official word.
“I’m getting so many messages and it is so hard right now to find the strength to respond to everyone,” Stover wrote. “AES called all families to the facility. They have a list of individuals being treated at the hospital and a list of those still missing. Trent is on the missing list. It was his building that exploded.”
She added that she continues to hold out hope despite the devastating circumstances:
“I am still praying for a miracle because I know my God can do anything he wants to, but I am also realistic about how awful this whole thing is and know the reality of the possible outcome. Please just pray for a miracle. Pray that he is not one of the individuals that needs to be identified. And please pray for me. Pray that God will give me the strength to get through this if the worst is a reality.”
Trent’s mother, Jamie Stewart, also shared a brief message asking for patience and compassion during the difficult wait for confirmation:
“NOTHING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED ABOUT TRENT. The family will update when we know something.”
The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. CDT on the AES campus, which spans the Hickman and Humphreys County line, approximately an hour southwest of Nashville. The facility produces military-grade and commercial explosives used in defense, mining, and demolition industries.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the scene as “the most devastating” he has witnessed in his career.
The explosion obliterated one of the facility’s main structures, scattering debris, twisted metal, and destroyed vehicles across the surrounding area. The force of the blast was so powerful that it rattled homes several miles away and triggered a series of secondary explosions.
Sheriff Davis confirmed multiple fatalities but refrained from providing an exact number, stating, “We’re missing 19 souls.” He added that recovery efforts and investigative operations remain active and that identifying all victims will take time.
“Do I see a short-term explanation? No. Do I see us being here for many days? Yes, I do,” Davis said during a Saturday press briefing.
A massive multi-agency response was launched following the explosion, involving the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). By late morning, emergency teams had stabilized the site and contained potential fire hazards.
According to TriStar Health spokesperson Casey Stapp, three people sustained minor injuries. Two were treated and released, while one remains hospitalized at TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson.
Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates confirmed that AES employs about 80 workers, though it remains unclear how many were inside the destroyed building at the time of the explosion.
The company’s website states that it manufactures “high-quality energetic materials” for both defense and commercial sectors, including bulk explosives and demolition charges.
The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) announced it has opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion.
“The agency has opened an investigation and will be on site once emergency officials clear the area,” TOSHA said in a statement. “To preserve the integrity of the investigation, TOSHA does not release preliminary information or comment while the process is underway.”
Records show TOSHA previously inspected the AES facility on April 22, 2019, following a serious workplace safety incident in which several employees suffered seizures and neurological symptoms after exposure to cyclonite (RDX) — a powerful explosive compound used in military munitions. Five other workers reportedly experienced nervous system impairment after working in the facility’s “Hot House,” where explosive powders were dried and screened.
Authorities have yet to determine the precise cause of Friday’s explosion. Search and recovery teams continue to sift through the wreckage, hoping to locate the remaining missing individuals. Sheriff Davis said investigators are working closely with federal safety and explosives experts to determine what triggered the catastrophic blast.
“This is a tragedy that will stay with our community for years,” Davis said. “Our focus right now is on recovery, accountability, and supporting the families who have lost so much.”
Authorities have begun identifying the victims of the devastating tornado that struck Union City, Michigan, on Friday afternoon, leaving multiple people dead and causing widespread destruction across several communities in southern Michigan.
A Branch County funeral home confirmed that 65-year-old Penni Jo Guthrie was among the victims killed when the powerful storm swept through Union City.
According to the funeral home, Guthrie died from injuries sustained when the tornado destroyed her home during the storm.
An official obituary has not yet been released, and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Officials say two other people also died in Union City when the suspected EF-3 tornado touched down in the small community.
The National Weather Service reported that the storm produced winds of at least 150 miles per hour, strong enough to level homes and cause catastrophic damage throughout the affected neighborhoods.
Search and recovery crews spent Saturday combing through debris fields, assisting residents in locating belongings, and beginning the long cleanup process.
Union City emergency management officials said operations have now shifted from active rescue efforts to recovery, as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the destruction.
Among those affected by the storm was Scott Johnson, a former Bellevue resident. According to reports from friends and community members, Johnson lost his wife, Keri Johnson, along with their home and nearly all of their personal belongings when the tornado tore through the Union Lake area outside Union City.
The severe weather outbreak also caused tragedy in Cass County, where a tornado resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy from the Edwardsburg area.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as Silas Anderson.
Sheriff Clint Roach said the Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call around 3:12 p.m. on March 6 reporting that a possible tornado had touched down in the 68000 block of Conrad Road, north of U.S. 12 in Edwardsburg, within Milton Township. The caller reported that their son was missing following the storm.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they located Silas Anderson, and his parents were already attempting to provide first aid.
The boy was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officials said Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report that a young man from the Edwardsburg area has lost his life in a weather-related incident,” Sheriff Roach said in a statement, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy as they cope with the tragedy.
Severe weather also impacted St. Joseph County, where another tornado was reported in the Three Rivers area.
The storm caused significant structural damage, including ripping the roof off a Menards store. Video captured by residents shows the tornado scattering debris into the air and tearing apart nearby storage facilities.
In response to the widespread damage and loss of life, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, announced Saturday morning that she intends to declare a state of emergency for Branch County, Cass County, and St. Joseph County.
State and local officials continue to evaluate the damage while emergency crews work to assist residents, clear debris, and restore essential services in the communities affected by the powerful storm system.