Bucksnort, TN – The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams continue to respond following Friday’s devastating explosion at a manufacturer of demolition and military explosives in Bucksnort, Tennessee. The blast, which could be felt by residents miles away, left little remaining of the facility. As of Saturday evening, officials confirmed that 16 individuals lost their lives in the explosion, and families have been notified.
Immediately following the incident, The Salvation Army began coordinating with state and local emergency management officials to determine how best to serve those affected. Needs were quickly identified for both emotional and spiritual care and hydration support for first responders.
On Sunday, The Salvation Army delivered 816 bottles of Gatorade to the blast site to support approximately 300 first responders continuing recovery operations. That evening, Salvation Army Officers (ordained ministers) from Clarksville, Jackson, and Murfreesboro were present at a community vigil at the Humphreys County Courthouse in Waverly, where approximately 200 people gathered to honor those lost. Officers provided water and snacks to attendees and made 42 emotional and spiritual care contacts, offering prayer, comfort, and compassionate presence to families, first responders, and community members.
Beginning today (Monday), Salvation Army Officers will be present at the Family Assistance Center at Compassion Church in Waverly, providing ongoing emotional and spiritual care to families seeking support.
“When tragedy strikes, people need more than physical help — they need hope,” said Scott Tibbetts, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Director for Kentucky and Tennessee. “Our mission is to be a steady presence in the midst of pain, offering compassion and spiritual support to those who are hurting. We’re honored to serve alongside first responders and community partners as we help Bucksnort begin to heal.”
The Salvation Army’s emotional and spiritual care teams are trained to help individuals cope with grief, trauma, and loss through presence, prayer, and listening. Each Salvation Army Officer and trained EDS volunteer completes specialized crisis response and spiritual first aid training, ensuring care is offered with compassion and respect to all, regardless of faith background.
The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to respond to disasters because it already serves in nearly every zip code in America, allowing teams to mobilize quickly and respond with a deep understanding of community needs. The Salvation Army will continue serving for as long as needed in this incident.
None of this response is possible without the generosity of the public. To support The Salvation Army’s disaster response efforts, please consider making a financial contribution at helpsalvationarmy.org or by mailing a check to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 436437
Louisville, KY 40253
Please include “Bucksnort explosion” in the memo line.
