Washington [US], October 12:: Hopes are waning for the recovery of survivors following a catastrophic blast at an explosives factory in the US state of Tennessee, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said on Saturday.
The sheriff did not commit to a specific number of fatalities on Saturday, but 18 people have been reported missing.
"At this time, we have recovered no survivors," Davis said, visibly struggling with tears.
He said he did not want to give up hope but also did not want to raise false hopes.
US authorities on Friday initially said 19 people were killed or missing following the mass detonation on the company's premises, west of Nashville.
One person initially thought to have been on site may actually have been at home. Others survived the catastrophe but were injured.
Investigators fear that those on the premises at the time of the explosion have died and are checking DNA.
It is unclear what caused the accident and the investigation is expected to take several days.
The company, Accurate Energetic, makes a range of explosive products, including for military purposes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also involved in the investigation.
Davis described the situation as "hell on us. It is hell on everyone involved," in comments to broadcaster CNN.
The hill near the town of McEwen where the factory stood before the incident was marked by the wreckage of vehicles and smoking debris.
Residents told broadcaster NBC that even houses in the nearby town of Lobelville were shaken by the explosion.
The company management reacted with dismay in a statement and thanked the first responders, promising to inform the public once reliable findings are available regarding the incident. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
