14 of the 16 individuals lost in Tennessee plant explosion identified

HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. — It’s been nearly a week since a community was rocked by an explosion that killed 16 at Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ages of individuals said to be missing after Tennessee plant explosion released

Wednesday evening, officials from the Hickman and Humphreys County Sheriff’s Departments as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) held a news conference to provide an update.

Officials say as of Wednesday, 14 of the 16 individuals have been identified through rapid DNA testing.

Sheriff Chris Davis with the Humphreys County Sheriff Office says the investigation into this explosion won’t be wrapping up any time soon.

“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we’re not standing right back here in two months. I mean, it’s how big and how massive this scene is and the delicacy that they’re having to process this scene with, it’s just unimaginable,” said Sheriff Davis.

Leaders with the ATF gave an update in their investigation and say they’ll continue to process the scene and are prepared to continue in inclement weather which may arrive this weekend.

“For the most part, we’ve been able to remove hazardous materials and live explosives from the scene. That doesn’t mean that we won’t uncover more moving forward in this process, so we’re constantly mindful of that,” said Jamey Vanvliet, special agent in charge at the ATF-Nashville Field Office.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Officials say Friday’s scheduled news conference has been cancelled. Another news conference will be announced at a later date.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help victims and families of this explosion.

Click here for more coverage and details on the deadly explosion.

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