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100 violations, $3.1M fine issued in Tennessee plant blast that killed 16

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100 violations, .1M fine issued in Tennessee plant blast that killed 16


The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 100 safety citations and more than $3.1 million in penalties following its investigation into a 2025 explosion at an Accurate Energetic Systems munitions plant that killed 16 people.

State officials said Tuesday the citations stem from a six-month investigation into the Oct. 10 blast at the facility near Bucksnort, Tennessee. The agency described the case as the largest investigation in its history and the highest total penalty it has ever assessed.

Of the 100 violations, 59 were classified as willful, 32 as serious, four as repeat-serious, and five as other-than-serious.

The total assessed penalty is $3,133,900.

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TOSHA said willful violations indicate “an employer’s intentional disregard for the requirements of the TOSH Act or plain indifference to employee safety and health,” though not necessarily malicious intent.

RELATED COVERAGE | No sprinklers in building where 16 died in AES plant blast in McEwen, according to CSB

The agency hand-delivered the citations to company legal counsel in Nashville on Tuesday and also provided documentation to the victims’ families.

According to TOSHA, penalties are calculated using a standardized formula designed to ensure consistency and do not factor in the number of fatalities.

The agency noted its previous largest penalty was about $380,000 following a 2001 explosion at a military flare manufacturing facility that resulted in one death.

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TOSHA emphasized that its role is to determine whether workplace safety violations occurred, not to establish the cause of an accident or assign fault.

Accurate Energetic Systems has 20 calendar days to request an informal conference or formally contest the citations.

AES’s CEO provided FOX 17 News with the following statement, saying that they believe that TOSHA’s findings “do not represent the standard of safety the company strives for.”

“Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) is carefully reviewing the compliance findings issued today by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA). We have 20 days to respond to the findings and will also meet with TOSHA within that time period. We believe that TOSHA’s findings do not represent the standard of safety we strive to achieve every day, nor our commitment to the wellbeing of our team members and their loved ones.

AES continues to investigate and assist government investigators following the tragedy of October 10. Those we lost embodied the very heart of our community. They were our friends and family, and we suffer from their loss. We miss them, love them, and will always cherish our memories of them.

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As we closely assess these compliance findings alongside ongoing investigations, including our own, into what caused the explosion, our top priority will remain our employees, their families, and our neighbors. We will continue providing long-term care and resources through the AES Families Support Fund as well as Helping Hands of Hickman County, Centerstone, and through the support of thousands of our friends, neighbors, parishioners and partners.

We are grateful beyond words for the outpouring of support we have received, not just from these invaluable organizations and people, but from around the world.”

Read the full TOSHA statement below.



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Wildfire in Pigeon Forge 0% contained, Division of Forestry says

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Wildfire in Pigeon Forge 0% contained, Division of Forestry says


PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Division of Forestry said a wildfire began burning in Pigeon Forge on Monday and is not contained.

According to the forestry division’s wildfire tracking map, the fire on Rocky Creek Way was first reported Monday evening. As of 10 p.m., it had grown to two acres in size and was 0% contained.

Additional information, including how many crews have responded and if any homes or businesses are in danger, hasn’t been released.

This is a developing story.

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Copyright 2026 WVLT. All rights reserved.



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Tornadoes possible as Middle Tennessee braces for severe storms tonight and Tuesday night

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Tornadoes possible as Middle Tennessee braces for severe storms tonight and Tuesday night


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – We’re starting the week with back to back First Alert Weather Days. The first one is tonight, Monday April 27, with another round of storms expected Tuesday night.

Severe risk for two days(WSMV)

Both rounds bring a risk for damaging wind gusts greater than 60mph, hail larger than quarters, and tornadoes.

Damaging straight line wind will be the most widespread threat both nights. For Monday night the tornado threat is higher, with a lower risk for tornadoes.

By Tuesday night, the setup shifts slightly. Damaging wind remains the dominant hazard, but the risk for hail increases compared to tonight’s storms.

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WSMV First Alert Weather
WSMV First Alert Weather(wsmv)

No matter which threat materializes, now is the time to prepare. Take a few minutes to secure any loose outdoor items that could be blown around in strong wind. If you have vehicles or outdoor furniture, consider ways to protect them from potential hail damage.

It’s also a good idea to review your severe weather safety plan and make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.

It’s important to prioritize tools that can wake you up if you decide to go to sleep.

A NOAA weather radio is a great resource. First Alert Meteorologist Dan Thomas has step by step instructions to help program your NOAA Weather Radio. The process takes a few minutes and allows you to receive weather watches and warnings issued for your area.

The WSMV4 First Alert Weather App can alert you before trouble arrives. Download the WSMV 4 First Alert Weather app for iPhone or Android. Make sure you have ‘locations’ and ‘notifications’ turned on when using a weather app.

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Knowing where to go before a tornado warning is issued — at home or at work — can make a critical difference.

Three factors can help guide that decision.

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Think windowless

The first step is finding an interior room without windows. A hallway, bathroom or closet can all serve as shelter options.

Think low

A basement is the preferred location, but if one is not available, move to the lowest level of the home or business. Sheltering under a stairwell provides extra protection, as does taking cover under a sturdy piece of furniture.

Think small

Putting as many walls as possible between you and the storm increases safety. A windowless closet or interior bathroom is among the best available options.

Blankets, pillows or a helmet can be brought to the shelter location to provide additional protection from the storm and flying debris.

Mobile homes and cars do not offer protection during a tornado. Anyone in either should seek a conventionally constructed building — a neighbor’s home, a family member’s house or a nearby business.

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Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.



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Tennessee man dies after falling from raft into Ocoee River

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Tennessee man dies after falling from raft into Ocoee River


TURTLETOWN, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Tennessee man died Sunday after he fell from a raft while paddling on the Ocoee River in Polk County, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

The TWRA said game wardens and Tennessee State Park Rangers responded to just south of Ocoee Dam No. 2 for reports of an unconscious man on the Ocoee River.

Witnesses told officials that 50-year-old Richard White, of Cleveland, fell from a raft while paddling on the river. Bystanders pulled him from the water and performed CPR until emergency services arrived.

The TWRA said White was taken to Bradley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

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White was wearing protective equipment, including a helmet and a personal floatation device, the TWRA said.

The investigation is ongoing.

This incident marks the sixth boating-related fatality this year, the TWRA said. This is the first death this year in which the victim was wearing a life jacket.

Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.



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