McEWEN, Tenn. - Authorities reported that an explosion in rural Tennessee destroyed an explosives plant, was felt miles away, and killed all 16 people on-site.

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.

What we don't know:

The cause of the blast is not known. Investigators are combing the incinerated property foot-by-foot searching for possible evidence.

What they're saying:

"There’s a gauntlet of emotions there," Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said during a news conference, pausing to clear his throat before he asked for prayers for the families of the victims in a shaky voice.

"We’ve recovered no survivors," he added.

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