HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — The family of one of the victims in the deadly explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County that killed 16 people is seeking legal accountability from the company through the first wrongful death lawsuit filed in connection with the October 10 explosion.
This is the first wrongful death lawsuit, alleging the company failed to take proper precautions.
Attorneys from Hughes and Coleman say the lawsuit was filed on behalf of Jeremy Moore's daughter. There are claims that proper precautions could have prevented the deaths, and it raises questions about corporate accountability and worker safety standards.
“This is a disaster of epic proportions,” said lead attorney Lee Coleman of Hughes & Coleman in a statement. “This explosion involved ultra-hazardous materials, and the devastation it caused impacts dozens, if not hundreds, of lives. The loved ones will be in mourning for years, and our clients are still shocked by this horrible tragedy.”
Hughes & Coleman has partnered with Armstrong Lee & Baker and Terry Bryant, PLLC out of Texas to investigate the incident.
The lawsuit suggests that the explosion involving ultra-hazardous materials also raises immediate public safety concerns and questions about industrial safety regulations.
So far in the investigation, crews have identified 14 of the 16 victims through their remains. The ATF, FBI, and local law enforcement are still working to determine what caused the explosion.
Another update on the progress investigators are making is expected Friday night.
In response to this update, a spokesperson for AES reached out to NewsChannel 5 and provided this statement in full:
Our team at Accurate Energetic Systems is shocked and devastated following the tragic explosion and loss of 16 employees that took place on our campus on October 10, 2025. These team members are our family, our friends, our neighbors – it is impossible to comprehend.
Our top priority is to support our team, their families and our community as we grieve together. The outreach we’ve received from thousands of neighbors, churches, businesses, organizations and even those not directly impacted by this tragedy has been overwhelming. We would especially like to thank Compassion Church in Waverly, McEwen Church of Christ, World Central Kitchen, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Tennessee Disaster Mental Health Strike Team – these and numerous other organizations and individuals have been a light and provided strength for all of us during this devastating time. Ours is a close and incredible community.
Accurate Energetic Systems is committed to learning what caused this unprecedented tragedy, and we recognize this will be a lengthy process. Our dedication to the highest safety standards has been our constant priority for 45 years at our facilities and in our community. This is shared not just by our company leadership but by our team members and our civic and elected officials. We maintain high industry standards and have regular reviews by state and federal regulators, and we also lead our industry with significant roles within national safety organizations. That is another reason why this tragedy is so difficult to comprehend.
We are assisting investigators in every way possible and will continue to do so as we all seek answers. We have asked that everyone on our team support the hundreds of responders and investigators that are doing the most difficult of jobs.
Thank you to all who have reached out and provided support during this tragic time. We will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to provide updates as we have them.
We cannot comment on pending litigation.
Watch the full investigation and get the latest updates on this developing story. Have information about workplace safety concerns in your community? Contact Eric at Eric.Pointer@NewsChannel5.com - we want to hear from you.
This story was reported by Eric Pointer and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Eric Pointer and our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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