MCEWEN, Tenn. — Officials have released the names of the 16 people presumed dead after an explosion at a Tennessee explosives plant on Friday.

The explosion left a smoldering wreck of twisted and charred metal and burned-out vehicles at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant, which supplies and researches explosives for the military. It is located in a rural area about 60 miles southwest of Nashville. Officials said there were no survivors.

The sheriff was visibly emotional during the news conference, saying one of his best friends was killed as well as one of his neighbors. Davis said they are working to confirm the deaths of those presumed dead so they can start talking to families individually. He said they spoke with them as a group.

"We’ve assured them that we’re doing everythi

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