A devastating explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in Tennessee has left the site in ruins, with no living witnesses and a hazardous scene stretching over half a square mile.

Authorities warn that the investigation will take weeks or months due to undetonated explosives and the need for painstaking, foot-by-foot clearance before evidence recovery or victim identification can begin.

The blast, which triggered numerous smaller explosions, scattered debris—including potentially critical pieces of evidence—over long distances.

The ATF is leading the investigation with its elite National Response Team, emphasizing both criminal accountability and learning from the incident to prevent future tragedies, CNN has reported.

Officials stress that uncovering the cause will require meticulous, methodical work under constantly evaluated safety conditions.