TENNESSEE — Authorities have identified Melissa Dawn Stanford as the second confirmed victim of the catastrophic explosion that tore through the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) facility in Middle Tennessee. The massive blast, described by investigators as a “mass detonation,” destroyed a building at the explosives manufacturing site and left nineteen people dead or unaccounted for.
The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. CDT on Friday at the AES complex, which straddles the Hickman and Humphreys County line, about an hour southwest of Nashville. The facility produces military-grade and commercial explosives used in defense, mining, and demolition industries. Sheriff Chris Davis of Humphreys County called the site “the most devastating scene I’ve seen in my career.” The force of the blast leveled one of the main buildings, scattering twisted metal, charred debris, and destroyed vehicles across the area. Homes miles away shook, and several secondary explosions complicated rescue efforts.
Sheriff Davis confirmed multiple fatalities but declined to provide a total number, stating, “We’re missing 19 souls.” He emphasized that the recovery operation would take days and that investigators are working carefully to determine the cause. “Do I see a short-term explanation? No,” Davis said. “Do I see us being here for many days? Yes, I do.”
Emergency crews from local, state, and federal agencies—including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), FBI, and ATF—responded quickly to secure the site and assist in search operations. By late morning, officials said the area had been stabilized to prevent further detonations. According to TriStar Health spokesperson Casey Stapp, three people sustained minor injuries. Two have been treated and released, while one remains hospitalized at TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson.
Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates said AES employs about 80 workers, though it remains unclear how many were inside the destroyed building when the explosion happened. The company’s website describes its products as “high-quality energetic materials” used in defense and commercial applications. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) has launched a full investigation but will wait until the site is cleared before entering.
Records show TOSHA last inspected AES in April 2019, after several employees suffered seizures and neurological issues caused by exposure to cyclonite (RDX), a powerful military explosive compound. As recovery crews continue to sift through the rubble, Sheriff Davis said federal experts are working to reconstruct the events that led to one of Tennessee’s deadliest industrial disasters. “This is a tragedy that will stay with our community for years,” he said. “Our focus is recovery, accountability, and supporting the families who have lost so much.”