The Benton Fireworks Disaster

The Benton fireworks disaster was an industrial disaster that occurred on a farm near Benton, Tennessee, on May 27, 1983. A powerful explosion at an unlicensed fireworks factory producing illegal fireworks killed eleven people and injured one, revealing the factory's existence to law enforcement as well as the public for the first time. The initial explosion was heard more than 20 miles (32 km) away.

The event received national attention, was covered by major media outlets, and sparked a two-year federal investigation that resulted in the conviction of 21 people, including the factory's owner, a man considered to be the mastermind, and several others from multiple states who conspired to manufacture, transport, and/or allow the fireworks manufactured at the operation to be transported. Investigators discovered the factory to be the largest and most profitable illegal fireworks operation in US history. The disaster was the deadliest event involving illegal fireworks in US history.

Several witnesses claimed to have seen a white Cleveland from more than 20 miles (32 kilometers). Several 911 calls were received shortly after the initial blast, and several police units arrived on the scene within minutes. Linda Sue Webb, who was in the house at the time, fled before deputies arrived. Tommy Webb, who was critically injured, was transported to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga with burns covering approximately 35% of his body. Later, ATF and TBI crews arrived to investigate the cause of the explosion. Later, a Tennessee Emergency Management Agency TEMA crew arrived on the scene to identify the victims, which included forensic anthropologist William M. Bass of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Date: May 27, 1983
Location: 1278 Welcome Valley Road, Benton, Tennessee
Also known as: Polk County fireworks disaster
Cause: Undetermined
Deaths: 11