A huge blast at an explosives factory in Tennessee has killed 16 people, lowering the toll after locating two people who were previously missing and presumed dead.
The explosion in the town of Bucksnort on Friday took place at a factory owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, which makes explosives for both military and demolition purposes.
The blast destroyed an entire building at the plant's large campus, shook homes miles away and sent debris flying.
It was initially reported that the death toll was 18.
"We have been able to locate and determine the two other folks were not on the site," Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at a press conference.
Their vehicle and personal items were found at the scene, leading to the initial belief they were among the victims.
In a statement, the company called the blast "a tragic accident".
Brice McCracken, an official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, told reporters that authorities "are not any closer today to determining the origin and cause of this explosion".
Authorities were slowly processing the blast scene one foot at a time, the sheriff said, calling in bomb technicians every time they felt there was a risk of danger.
DNA testing will be used to identify remains.
