NEWS

ATF officials to investigate fatal factory blast

Brian Wilson
brwilson@tennessean.com

Federal officials will investigate the site of a fatal explosion at an ammunition factory near McEwen on Wednesday.

A response team with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was expected to arrive at the site of Rio Ammunition near State Highway 230 on Thursday afternoon.

The team will work with the Tennessee Fire Marshal's Office, the Humphreys County Sheriff's Department and the Humphreys County Emergency Management Agency.

Less than a day before, one man was killed after a blast at a building near the Humphreys and Hickman county line. Three others were injured and sent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center that afternoon.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured, their families and those of the deceased during this traumatic event," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fulton. "The community suffered a great loss due to this devastating incident."

Hickman and Humphreys County crews were sent to the property of Accurate Energetic Systems after a blast occurred that "pretty much destroyed the building" there, said Odell Poyner, director of the Humphreys County Emergency Management Agency.

The building is operated by Rio Ammunition, which makes different types of ammunition for hunting, law enforcement and the military.

Ten to 12 people were at the building when the explosion occurred, Poyner said.