NUNNERY, Tenn. (AP) — Just a few miles from a factory in rural Tennessee devastating explosionthe members of Maple Valley Baptist Church dedicated their Sunday services to: 16 victims died And their families.
Some of the dozens of people praying in the small church knew someone who worked at a factory owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, a company that supplies and researches explosives to the military and is a well-known employer in the area.
“There’s a somber atmosphere in the community right now simply because so many lives have been affected,” said Pastor Jimmy Andrews of the church in Nunnelly. “Family and friends are just trying to support each other during this most difficult time.”
Churches in many small, close-knit communities in the area, including another church attended by Gov. Bill Lee on Sunday, held similar efforts through vigils and services as many people tried to make sense of the devastation.
“The damage is staggering,” Lee told reporters after surveying the damage by helicopter and attending the Church of Mercy near Waverley.
The cause of Friday’s explosion is still under investigation. Crews were carefully examining the incinerated land, looking for possible evidence. Authorities warned Sunday that a small, controlled explosion would occur to dispose of the hazardous materials.
“We are taking extra precautions to prevent further damage or injury,” the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The community around this area is safe, but noise may be heard and smoke may be seen.”
The initial explosion was felt for more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) and left the factory with twisted, charred metal and the smoldering remains of burnt-out vehicles. authorities said there is there are no survivors. The identity of the deceased had not been determined by Sunday.
The plant is located in a heavily forested region of Middle Tennessee between the vital Tennessee River to the west and Nashville to the east.
Brandon Brake, 42, said many people in the area rely on their “church family” to survive. He attended Maple Valley Baptist.
“It was a tragic time,” he said. “We’re going to make it.”
The McEwen community lowered its flags to half-mast Saturday as a mark of respect. A candlelight vigil was planned outside the Humphreys County Courthouse Sunday night. Schools in the county announced Monday that counseling services will be available for students.
“We will continue to play a supporting role to those affected in every way possible because they are our friends, neighbors, and residents of our community,” McEwen Mayor Brad Luckford said in an email Sunday.
Andrews, pastor of Maple Valley Baptist, told his congregation to look out for each other.
“Lord, I pray that you will comfort those who continue to suffer from this tragic event,” he said.
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Tareen reported from Chicago.
