NEW YORK - Sixteen people are believed to have been killed in a devastating explosion at a military explosives plant in the US state of Tennessee on Friday morning, with no survivors found, local authorities said Saturday.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said in a press release that the number of unaccounted individuals was revised from 18 to 16 after it was determined that two people initially believed to be at the site were not present when the blast occurred.

The explosion took place at Accurate Energetic Systems, LLC, a company specializing in the production of military explosives, around 7:45 am local time (1245 GMT), southwest of Nashville, Tennessee. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.

Response efforts continued through Saturday, with emergency responders from across the region working alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is assisting with scene examination and investigative support.

Due to significant debris and the potential presence of explosive materials, response operations are progressing slowly and methodically. Controlled detonations will be conducted periodically to dispose of unstable or hazardous materials safely, TEMA said.

There is no known threat to public health or safety as a result of the explosion. However, TEMA has urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue their work safely and efficiently.

Accurate Energetic Systems has established an assistance center to support families impacted by the incident, providing information, emotional support and other resources.

TEMA said it continues to provide logistical support, including water pallets, communications equipment and personnel to assist with local emergency management operations. The State Emergency Operations Center remains highly activated to support ongoing coordination.