Fire and Death at Tennessee Ammo Store Investigated

Federal and state arson investigators were trying to determine what caused a fire and explosion at a Nashville ammunition store that killed the shop’s owner.

The Tennessean reported that firefighters discovered the body of 42-year-old Kenedy Rojas inside the Well Done Bullets store while responding to Monday’s blaze. Officials said Rojas died from smoke inhalation and severe burns, and an autopsy showed no signs of foul play.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Rojas was licensed to sell and import firearms but not to manufacture ammunition. However, police said the owner was known to keep gunpowder containers in the shop for reloading ammunition.

Rojas was in the process of opening an ammunition reloading supply company, Metro Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron said.

Firefighters heard several small explosions at the shop while responding to the blaze at an office complex. They discovered Rojas body after extinguishing the fire. The blaze nearly burned the office complex to the ground.