Washington, October 11 (QNA) - Nineteenth individuals lost their lives in the devastating explosion that rocked the Accurate Energetic Systems military explosives facility on Friday in Tennessee.

 Federal and local investigative teams continue their meticulous work to determine the precise causes and circumstances surrounding this catastrophic incident, US authorities announced on Saturday.

The explosion occurred at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant, located in a rural area near Bucksnort, within Hickman County, approximately 60 miles west of Nashville. The blast obliterated the main building and leveled extensive portions of the facility, leaving a scene of unparalleled destruction.

All 19 individuals inside the facility are being considered as deceased, as rescuers have yet to locate any survivors, said Chris Davis, the County Police Chief, at a press briefing.

Davis described the scene as "the most destructive" he has witnessed in his career, noting that debris extended over roughly 800 meters, and nearby residents felt the tremor and heard the blast from over 24 km away.

Rescue efforts were further complicated by the risk of secondary explosions within the site, hindering immediate access to certain areas. Federal investigative teams, including the ATF and FBI, have launched a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain the causes of the explosion.

The company has temporarily halted operations, and authorities have expressed their intent to coordinate with victims' families to confirm identities and provide necessary support.

The facility, sprawling across approximately 1,300 acres, manufactures and tests military-grade explosives, including C-4 and TNT, and consists of multiple buildings and testing sites nestled among forested hills.

 Previous reports indicate that the firm has faced safety-related sanctions from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the past.

Authorities are securing the site to prevent any further hazards, while emergency teams assess surrounding infrastructure and provide immediate aid and temporary shelter to the families of victims and those affected.

No detailed statement has been released by the company specifying the circumstances of the incident or the identities of the victims.

 Law enforcement officials have pledged to provide preliminary findings from the investigation as soon as accurate data becomes available. (QNA)