A community grieves

It’s been an intense few days following the AES explosion that killed sixteen people on Friday in Bucksnort, Tennessee. Community reactions have been embodied by Humphreys County Sherriff Chris Davis, who fought back tears in multiple briefings as he’s spoken about the tragedy. As multiple resources have come in from all levels of government to investigate what happened, neighbors and community members have come together to support one another. Multiple fundraisers, calls to collect supplies for first responders, and vigils happened over the weekend.

Friday night, just hours after the incident, residents and neighbors gathered in a nearby park and sang “Amazing Grace.”

Hurricane Chapel Freewill Baptist Church held a vigil on Saturday morning and roughly 45 people attended. The pastor, Tim Farris, said that the fact that there were multiple vigils in the first couple days shows that the community believes in the power of prayer.

On Saturday night, community members gathered on the grass in front of Maple Valley Baptist Church for a candlelit vigil. Deacon Danny Bates noted that their community is not very big to begin with, so the loss is even greater.

Church plays an important role for many in the surrounding community. The first Sunday church service after the tragedy was an emotional one for many as they looked to spiritual leaders for advice.

At Hope Church Hickman, Pastor Devin Pickard said, “Do not send a message saying, ‘Let me know what I can do for you.’ Just go do that. You know they need food.” After service, the congregation packed an estimated 7,500 sandwiches for first responders and families. Pickard brought twenty pounds of BBQ himself. His mother baked cookies. Several restaurants in the area donated food to first responders and those in need.

“You’ve got a lot of folks working this site. It’s going to be traumatic for them. This is the least we can do.” Pickard said. “We’re in The South. We like to eat.” he said during his sermon.

Justin Barney WPLN News

Food is gathered for first responders at Hope Church in Centerville.

Pastor Devin Pickard ended his sermon by saying, “This has just ripped the heart out of this community. But eventually the sun will begin to rise again.”

After the service, a congregant named Tiffany was outside in tears. She knew people who died at AES and has relatives who had left just minutes before the explosion. “It was a hard hitter.” She said, “But it gave me some comfort.”