Community near site of deadly Tennessee plant blast recalls the lives of
the 16 killed
[October 13, 2025]
OBED LAMY and SOPHIA TAREEN
NUNNELLY, Tenn. (AP) — Just miles from a rural Tennessee plant leveled
by a devasting explosion, the congregants of Maple Valley Baptist Church
devoted Sunday's service to the 16 deceased victims and their families.
Several of the dozens of people praying at the small church knew someone
who worked at the plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, which
supplies and researches explosives for the military and is a well-known
employer in the area.
“There’s a somber kind of vibe right now in the community just because
it’s so many lives that have been affected by it,” said Pastor Jimmy
Andrews of the church in Nunnelly. “It’s family and friends just trying
to hold each other up during this most difficult time.”
Churches across many of the area's small close-knit communities,
including another one attended by Gov. Bill Lee on Sunday, did the same
through vigils and services as many tried to make sense of the
devastation.
“The losses are staggering,” Lee told reporters after surveying the
damage by helicopter and attending Compassion Church in nearby Waverly.
The cause of Friday’s blast remained under investigation. Crews were
carefully going through incinerated property, searching for possible
evidence. Authorities warned of smaller controlled explosions Sunday to
dispose of hazardous materials.
“Extraordinary precautions are in place to prevent further damage and
injuries,” the Humphreys County sheriff’s office said in a statement.
“The community around the area is safe but you may hear noise and see
some smoke.”
The initial blast was felt for more than 20 miles (32 kilometers),
leaving a smoldering wreck of twisted and charred metal and burned-out
vehicles at the plant. Authorities said there were no survivors. They
had not identified the deceased by Sunday.
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A congregant raises his hand Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Maple Valley
Baptist Church in McEwen, Tenn., about 3 miles from Accurate
Energetic Systems, an explosives plant where a blast Friday killed
16 people. (AP Photo/Obed Lamy)
The plant is located in a heavily wooded area of middle Tennessee,
between the vital Tennessee River to the west and Nashville to the
east.
Brandon Brake, 42, said many in the area were leaning on their
“church families” to make it through. He attended Maple Valley
Baptist.
“It’s been a tragic time,” he said. “We’re going to pull through.”
The community of McEwen lowered its flags to half-staff on Saturday
out of respect. A Sunday evening candlelight vigil was planned
outside the Humphreys County Courthouse. Schools in the county said
counseling services would be available to students on Monday.
“We will continue to play a support role to those affected in any
way possible as they are our friends, neighbors, and citizens of our
community,” McEwen Mayor Brad Rachford said in an email Sunday.
Andrews, the pastor of Maple Valley Baptist, told congregants to
look out for each other.
“Lord, I just pray we lift up those that are continuing to suffer
through this tragic event,” he said.
___
Tareen reported from Chicago.
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