Update: Investigation Points to Production Kettle in Accurate Energetic Systems Explosion
Original Post - https://www.homaconsulting.net/incidents/explosion-at-accurate-energetic-systems-plant-in-mcewen-tennessee
Incident Summary
An update has been provided by investigators regarding the October 10, 2025, explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) facility in McEwen, Tennessee. The incident resulted in 16 fatalities and the destruction of the 15,000-square-foot production building.
Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that the explosion involved approximately 28,000 pounds of high explosives. It is believed the event originated on the building's first floor, which served as the production level.
The facility, operated by AES, processes explosives and manufactures products like cast boosters (often a mixture of TNT and RDX) for the mining and defense industries.
Following the investigation, a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against AAC Investments, LLC, the parent company of AES. The suit, filed on behalf of a victim's 9-year-old daughter, alleges the company was negligent by failing to maintain a reasonably safe factory, failing to recognize hazards, and failing to provide adequate equipment and competent personnel.
Speculation on Cause of the Incident
While the official investigation into the exact trigger is ongoing and may take months, authorities have offered a preliminary sequence of events.
ATF investigators believe an initial explosion occurred in a "production kettle" used to create an explosive mixture. It is speculated that this primary detonation ignited other explosive materials stored nearby on the main floor, leading to a chain reaction that destroyed the building.
The facility had previous citations. In 2019, the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) cited the plant for violations after employees experienced seizures following potential exposure to cyclonite, an explosive powder.
Sources
Previous safety violations at the plant This video provides context on previous TOSHA violations reported at the Accurate Energetic Systems facility, which are relevant to the safety procedures mentioned in the new lawsuit.