Trent Stewart Identified as First Confirmed Victim in Devastating AES Explosion in Tennessee
Published: October 11, 2025
MIDDLE TENNESSEE — The first confirmed victim of the catastrophic explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in Middle Tennessee has been identified as Trent Stewart, officials confirmed Friday to Channel2 NOW. His death marks a devastating start to what may become one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Tennessee’s recent history.
The powerful blast, described by investigators as a “mass detonation,” occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. CDT on Friday and leveled a key structure at the AES facility, which sits along the Hickman and Humphreys County line, about an hour southwest of Nashville. Authorities say 19 individuals remain dead or unaccounted for as search and recovery operations continue.
A Community Shaken
Trent Stewart, whose age and hometown have not yet been publicly released, was among the workers at the explosives manufacturing plant when the explosion tore through the facility. Loved ones described Stewart as a hardworking, dedicated man who took pride in his work and had a deep love for his family.
“Trent was the kind of guy who showed up early and stayed late,” said a family friend. “He had a quiet strength, and he was so proud of what he did—even knowing the risks.”
As word of his death spread, tributes began to pour in on social media, with coworkers, friends, and neighbors remembering him as a kind-hearted and dependable individual. His death now represents the painful human toll behind the twisted metal and scorched ground left behind at AES.
A “Mass Detonation” Levels Facility
The blast’s impact was catastrophic. It obliterated a main building on the AES property, sending debris, mangled steel, and shattered vehicles flying across a vast radius. The explosion was so powerful it triggered secondary detonations, rattled homes miles away, and was heard throughout nearby communities.
Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis, visibly shaken during a press briefing, described the destruction as unparalleled in his decades of service.
“This is the most devastating scene I’ve seen in my career,” Davis said. “We’re missing 19 souls. This is not just a workplace accident. It’s a tragedy of enormous scale.”
Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts
By midday Friday, first responders from multiple agencies — including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) — had secured the site to prevent further danger and begun the grueling task of search and recovery.
Crews are now sifting through the wreckage, working against both time and dangerous conditions. Sheriff Davis said the process could take several days, possibly longer, as investigators assess structural hazards and search for potential additional victims.
“Do I see a short-term explanation? No,” Davis said. “Do I see us being here for many days? Yes, I do.”
Injuries and Emergency Response
TriStar Health spokesperson Casey Stapp reported that three individuals sustained minor injuries in the explosion. Two have since been treated and released, while one remains hospitalized at TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson.
The facility, which employs approximately 80 workers, specializes in military-grade and commercial explosives used for defense, mining, and demolition purposes. Officials have not confirmed how many employees were inside the destroyed building at the time of the explosion.
Federal and State Investigations Underway
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is now being led by federal and state authorities, including TOSHA (Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The agency confirmed it has opened a formal investigation and will deploy officials to the site once it is cleared by emergency personnel.
TOSHA’s presence is particularly significant, given the facility’s prior safety violations. According to public records, TOSHA conducted an inspection in April 2019 after three employees suffered seizures from exposure to cyclonite (RDX) — a potent military-grade explosive.
That same report documented five additional workers who experienced nervous system impairments following exposure inside AES’s “Hot House,” a section of the plant where explosive powder was dried and screened.
“The agency has opened an investigation and will be on site once emergency officials clear the area. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, TOSHA does not release preliminary information or comment while the process is underway,” TOSHA said in a statement Friday.
A Town in Mourning
For the residents of Hickman and Humphreys counties — and the extended AES workforce — the loss is deeply personal. Many families in the region have ties to the plant, either through direct employment or through friends and relatives.
Hickman County Mayor Jim Bates acknowledged the plant’s significance to the local economy and the emotional toll this incident has had on the community.
“This is more than a facility. It’s where our people work. It’s part of who we are,” Bates said. “Today, we mourn. In the days to come, we will support these families in every way we can.”
Sheriff Davis echoed that sentiment, stating that his department’s top priorities are recovery, accountability, and providing closure to grieving families.
“This is a tragedy that will stay with our community for years,” Davis said. “We will not stop until every person is accounted for, and every question is answered.”
What’s Next
As investigations continue and more victims are identified, authorities say updates will be released as information becomes available. A dedicated family assistance center has been established to provide counseling, resources, and updates to those with loved ones who may have been at the facility during the explosion.
In the meantime, flags have been lowered to half-staff across government buildings in Hickman and Humphreys counties, and a community vigil is reportedly being planned to honor the lives lost.
Trent Stewart’s family has requested privacy during this time but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“He was taken from us too soon,” a family member said in a statement. “We will never stop remembering him, and we ask everyone to keep all the families affected by this tragedy in your hearts.”
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