There are no survivors of the blast that rocked a Tennessee explosives plant, authorities said on Oct. 11 as investigators work to determine the cause.

Authorities didn't give a number of deceased, but previously said 18 people were unaccounted for in the Oct. 10 blast at the Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County, Tennessee, about 60 miles west of Nashville. Investigators have searched through nearly every square inch of the scene, Humphreys County Sheriff Davis said at a news conference on Oct. 11.

"More devastating than we thought initially," Davis said. "It's a tremendous loss, a great loss."

The blast was heard for miles the morning of Oct. 10. The facility processes high-grade explosives for demolition, military and other uses, according to its website.

Eighteen people were missing in the explosion, authorities previously said. Earlier on Oct. 10, officials said 19 were unaccounted for but later said they located one person at home who was believed to be among the missing.

Investigators are working to test remains found in the wreckage to identify the people killed, Davis said.

"As widely acknowledged, we endured a tragic incident today that has profoundly impacted our community, Humphreys County, and surrounding communities I extend my most profound condolences to the victims and their families during this difficult time," Hickman County Sheriff Jason Craft said late on Oct. 10.

"The investigation is currently in its active phase, and the scene remains highly dynamic," Craft said.

What happened in the Tennessee explosion?

The explosion happened at about 7:45 a.m. on Oct. 10, authorities said. The blast was heard for miles, with a home security camera over 20 miles away picking it up and residents reporting the ground shaking.

At least a few people with minor injuries from being near the blast were treated at Ascension Saint Thomas' Three Rivers Hospital in Waverly, about 15 miles from the facility, the hospital told the Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.

When asked to describe the building where the blast occurred, Davis told reporters, "There's nothing to describe. It's gone."

Members of the public were asked to stay clear of the area as first responders contained the scene. Officials also asked the public not to "post anything about missing or any type of status of personnel."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions," Accurate Energetic Systems said in a statement.

What caused the Tennessee explosion?

The cause of the blast, which encompassed an entire building, was not immediately clear, and officials said they are investigating. It could take weeks or months to determine if any foul play was involved, Davis said on Oct. 11.

"There's not going to be a short explanation for that," Davis previously said.

The Nashville Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms field office said bomb techs are working the area, as the national response team is expected to arrive in the coming hours.

Explosives facility had history of safety violations

The explosives facility had a history of safety issues and violations, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development obtained by the Nashville Tennessean.

Another explosion at the facility in 2014 left one dead and two injured. The family of the deceased employee settled a lawsuit that claimed workplace safety standards at the time of the explosion fell below what is required by law, the Tennessean reported.

Multiple employees previously experienced seizures in 2019, leading inspectors to determine they had been potentially exposed to a toxic chemical through inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin.

Five "serious" violations were identified in the inspection, but within years, they were dialed back or removed from the record, and the matter ended with a settlement between Accurate Energetic Systems and Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Tennessean reported.

Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY; Kirsten Fiscus, Vivian Jones, Craig Shoup, Angele Latham, Liz Schubauer, Austin Hornbostel, Hadley Hitson, Keith Sharon, Evan Mealins and Rachel Wegner, the Nashville Tennessean; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No survivors in Tennessee explosion; cause of blast under investigation

Reporting by Jeanine Santucci and Craig Shoup, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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