Deadly Blast Rocks U.S. Factory, Claiming 16 Lives

A massive explosion at a Tennessee explosives factory killed 16 people, authorities confirmed Saturday. The blast completely destroyed one building in the factory complex and sent shockwaves that residents felt miles away, with debris scattered across a wide area.

The death toll dropped from an initial estimate of 18 after investigators found two missing people who were initially feared dead. Humphreys County Police Chief Chris Davis explained that while their vehicles and personal belongings were at the site, the two individuals weren't actually there when the explosion happened.

The blast's force was so intense it leveled an entire building within the manufacturing complex. People living several kilometers away reported feeling the ground shake from the explosion. Debris from the destroyed facility spread across the surrounding area.

Investigators initially believed 18 people had died because they found cars and personal items belonging to the two missing individuals at the factory site. But after a more thorough search, they confirmed these two people were elsewhere when the explosion occurred.

The company released a statement calling the explosion a "tragic accident" but provided no additional details about what might have caused the blast or the extent of damage to the facility.

This incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by workers in explosives manufacturing, an industry that requires strict safety protocols due to the volatile nature of the materials involved. Federal workplace safety investigators will likely examine the site to determine what went wrong and whether proper safety measures were in place.