(October 13, 2025 | 2:20 p.m. CT): The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is utilizing advanced forensic and innovative identification technology to assist with victim identification and to help families receive closure in the AES Explosion site in Humphreys/Hickman Counties. This process requires careful coordination between investigators, forensic specialists, and medical examiners. Due to the extensive damage and the presence of hazardous materials, this work is proceeding slowly and methodically to ensure the safety of responders and the integrity of the investigation. Teams must continue clearing the area of active explosives before comprehensive recovery operations can take place.
Highlights
- The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville is activated at a Level 4 – Elevated to support local requests associated with the explosion at Accurate Energetic System.
- As of 2 p.m. CT, there are no updates regarding fatalities or injuries.
- There are 16 individuals who are unaccounted for.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 for immediate support.
- Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are responding to this incident.
- Emergency Service Coordinators (ESCs) from TDOT, TDEC, TDH, THP, TN Department of Human Services, TWRA, and more are monitoring the situation and assisting as local jurisdictions request resources.
- The next flash report will be sent tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT.
Current Situation
Response operations continue at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) site in Hickman and Humphreys counties following the October 10 explosion. The Humphreys County and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team, remain the lead law enforcement authorities on the ground. Multiple local, state, and federal partners are assisting with the investigation and recovery process.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is utilizing advanced forensic and innovative identification technology to assist with victim identification and to help families receive closure. This process requires careful coordination between investigators, forensic specialists, and medical examiners. Due to the extensive damage and the presence of hazardous materials, this work is proceeding slowly and methodically to ensure the safety of responders and the integrity of the investigation. Teams must continue clearing the area of active explosives before comprehensive recovery operations can take place.
As part of the state’s process, once a loved one has been positively identified—usually through DNA comparison with a known close relative—the county medical examiner will issue a death certificate.
If, after a diligent search, a loved one cannot be identified, family members may seek an order from the Chancery Court in Waverly. The judge will consider the circumstances under which the individual became unaccounted for and may issue a judicial order declaring the person deceased.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level 4 – Elevated, supporting ongoing coordination among law enforcement, forensic teams, emergency management officials, and local agencies as recovery and identification efforts continue.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the response through Rapid DNA. Rapid DNA is a fully automated process that develops a DNA profile in under 2 hours, depending on the sample type. It is a quick and portable system that allows for on-site DNA analysis to expedite family reunification in the event of a mass disaster.
Rapid DNA uses similar technology to traditional DNA analysis; however, it is specifically designed for samples with large quantities of DNA from one individual. Its effectiveness depends on the condition of the remains. The process begins by developing DNA profiles from family members for comparison with unidentified human remains.