Local congregants gathered Sunday to grieve the 16 people killed during a catastrophic explosion at a rural Tennessee munitions plant.
The services were dedicated to the victims and families, many of whom were a part of the tight-knit community surrounding the Accurate Energetic Systems plant, a major local employer and military contractor specializing in explosives.
“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 Maple Valley Baptist Church in Nunnelly.
“It’s family and friends just trying to hold each other up during this most difficult time.”
Churches across nearby towns, including one attended by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, held similar services and vigils on Sunday as the region continued to reel from Friday’s blast.
“The losses are staggering,” Lee told reporters outside Compassion Church in Waverly after surveying the explosion damage by helicopter.
The cause of the explosion, which leveled the plant in McEwen, a wooded area between the Tennessee River and Nashville, is still under investigation.
Authorities are slowly combing through the wreckage of the destroyed facility, which was reduced to scorched metal and burnt-out vehicles.
All 16 individuals who were missing have been confirmed to be dead. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.
Officials initially said that 19 people were feared missing and possibly dead in the explosion.
The enormous blast was felt over 20 miles away.
As investigators worked through the debris, officials warned the public that controlled explosions would take place to safely dispose of any hazardous material still present at the site.
“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.”
Many residents are now dealing with the emotional fallout of the deadly explosion.
Brandon Brake, a 42-year-old churchgoer at Maple Valley Baptist, said many in the area were leaning on their “church families” to make it through.
“It’s been a tragic time,” he said. “We’re going to pull through.”
The city of McEwen lowered its flags to half-staff on Saturday. A candlelight vigil was also slated for Sunday evening in honor of the victims.
“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.
During his Sunday sermon, Andrews urged his congregation to care for one another in the days ahead.
“Lord, I just pray we lift up those that are continuing to suffer through this tragic event,” he said.
With Post wires.
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