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just a few miles from a rural tennessee Congregants at Maple Valley Baptist Church, a plant destroyed by a devastating explosion, dedicated a Sunday service to the 16 deceased victims and their families.
Many of the dozens of people praying at the small church knew someone who worked at a plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, which supplies and researches explosives for the military and is a well-known employer in the area.
“There’s kind of an atmosphere in the community right now because so many lives have been affected by this,” said Jimmy Andrews, pastor of the church in Nunnelly. “It’s families and friends trying to support each other during this most difficult time.”
churches Many of the region’s smaller united communities, including one attended by Gov. Bill Lee on Sunday, did the same through vigils and services as many tried to make sense of the devastation.
“The damage is staggering,” Lee told reporters after surveying the damage by helicopter and attending Compassion Church in nearby Waverley.
The cause of the explosion that occurred on Friday is being investigated. Crews were carefully examining the burnt property and looking for possible evidence. Authorities warned of small controlled explosions on Sunday to dispose of hazardous materials.
“Extraordinary precautions are being taken to prevent further damage and injuries,” the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The community around the area is safe but you may hear noises and see some smoke.”
The initial explosion was felt more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, leaving a trail of twisted and charred metal and smoldering debris from burned vehicles at the plant. Officials said there were no survivors. Till Sunday they had not identified the deceased.
The plant is located in a densely wooded area of Middle Tennessee, between the vital Tennessee River to the west and Nashville to the east.
Brandon Brake, 42, said many people in the area were relying on their “church families” to make it through. He attended Maple Valley Baptist.
“It’s been a sad time,” he said. “We’re going to move forward.”
The McEwen community flew its flags at half-mast Saturday in respect. A candlelight vigil was planned for Sunday evening outside the Humphreys County Courthouse. schools The county said counseling services will be available to students on Monday.
“We will continue to play a supportive role to those affected in any way we can because they are our friends, neighbors and citizens of our community,” McEwen Mayor Brad Ratchford said in an email Sunday.
Andrews, pastor of Maple Valley Baptist, asked congregants to take care of each other.
,GodI just pray that we lift up those who continue to suffer from this tragic incident,” he said.
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