KATHMANDU: At least 19 people are missing and several are feared dead after a massive explosion destroyed a military explosives manufacturing facility in Bucksnort, Tennessee, on Friday.

Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said one person initially believed to be at the site was later found safe at home, while four to five others were rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries.

“There’s nothing to describe, it’s gone,” Sheriff Davis told reporters, describing the scene of devastation where the factory once stood.

The plant, owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, is located about 56 miles (90 km) southwest of Nashville and is known for developing, manufacturing, and storing explosives for military use. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.

Aerial footage from the site showed smoking debris, burned-out vehicles, and the near-total destruction of the facility.

Secondary explosions after the initial blast forced emergency crews to stay back for safety.

Sheriff Davis, visibly emotional during his briefing, said the factory was operating normally when the explosion occurred.

“Workers who had just started their day now may be missing or deceased,” he said.

Referring to the missing individuals, Davis added, “A lot of times, when I have these types of situations, I refer to them more than just a person… we’re missing 19 souls.”

In a second update later in the day, Davis confirmed that debris from the blast had spread over half a square mile and that 19 people remained unaccounted for as rescue and recovery operations continued.