MCEWEN, Tenn. (WSMV) - A local sheriff confirmed Saturday that 16 people are dead following a blast at a McEwen explosives plant Friday morning.

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said the number dropped from the 19 originally reported missing after three people were found safe.

He said authorities initially believed they were in the building because their vehicles and personal items were found on the scene.

Davis said his department has notified all 16 families, but investigators are still combing through the expansive scene and it could take days before they’re able to recover remains.

“We’re literally having to clear foot by foot, and I’m literally meaning that,” Davis said.

Davis said investigators and law enforcement officers are taking a slow, methodical approach as they comb

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