Local News
Second Victim of Deadly Explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in Tennessee ID’d as Melissa Dawn Stanford
TENNESSEE — Authorities have identified Melissa Dawn Stanford as the second confirmed victim still listed among those missing following the catastrophic explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in Middle Tennessee.
The powerful blast—described by investigators as a “mass detonation”—completely destroyed a building at the explosives manufacturing facility, leaving nineteen people dead or unaccounted for.
In a social media post, Jessica Manners, Stanford’s sister-in-law, shared her anguish and called for prayers for the affected families.
“I left AES this afternoon absolutely devastated. Please pray for all these families,” Manners wrote. “My sister-in-law, Melissa Dawn Stanford, is one of the people missing. I tried to comfort as many families as I could. Praying hard for them all.”
The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. CDT on Friday at the AES complex, located along the Hickman and Humphreys County line—approximately one hour southwest of Nashville.
The facility manufactures military-grade and commercial explosives used in defense, mining, and demolition industries.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the event as “the most devastating scene I’ve seen in my career.” The explosion obliterated one of the site’s main buildings, scattering twisted steel, mangled vehicles, and debris across a wide area.
The force of the detonation shook homes miles away and triggered several secondary explosions, complicating rescue and containment efforts.
Sheriff Davis confirmed multiple fatalities but declined to provide a specific number, stating, “We’re missing 19 souls.” He added that search and recovery efforts are ongoing and that determining the cause will take time.
“Do I see a short-term explanation? No,” Davis said. “Do I see us being here for many days? Yes, I do.”
A multi-agency response—including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—was launched within minutes of the explosion.
By late morning, crews had stabilized the area to prevent additional detonations and allow search operations to proceed safely.
According to TriStar Health spokesperson Casey Stapp, three individuals sustained non-life-threatening 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 uncertain how many were inside the destroyed structure at the time of the blast.
According to the company’s website, AES produces and handles “high-quality energetic materials” for both defense and commercial markets, including bulk explosives and demolition charges.
The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) has formally opened an investigation into the incident.
“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 that in April 2019, TOSHA previously inspected the AES facility after multiple workers suffered seizures and neurological impairment due to exposure to cyclonite (RDX)—a highly explosive compound used in military munitions.
The report identified the affected employees as having worked in the site’s “Hot House,” where explosive powders were dried and screened.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion. Search and recovery teams continue to sift through debris in hopes of locating the remaining missing individuals.
Sheriff Davis said that federal safety officials and explosives experts are working closely to reconstruct the events leading up to what is now considered one of Tennessee’s deadliest industrial disasters.
“This is a tragedy that will stay with our community for years,” Davis said. “Our focus remains on recovery, accountability, and supporting the families who have lost so much.”
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.