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
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.