Three people — two young girls and an adult — have been confirmed dead following a powerful explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont, Nebraska, officials announced Wednesday. The explosion, which tore through the facility on Tuesday, left the structure engulfed in flames and dangerously unstable.
Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg expressed deep sorrow during a press conference, saying,
“My heart hurts. It’s a tragedy. We pray for all the families involved.”
The two girls, both under the age of 12, were reportedly waiting for an employee — presumed to be the adult victim — to finish work so they could head to a doctor’s appointment. Their names have not yet been released.
City officials and emergency responders continue to battle smouldering fires more than 24 hours after the initial blast. Despite overnight rainfall, thick smoke and persistent flames have made recovery efforts slow and hazardous.
Carl Nielsen of the city’s volunteer fire department said crews are being cautious due to fears the facility could collapse at any moment.
“It’s going to be very slow,” he noted, without providing a timeline for the recovery of the victims’ remains.
The Horizon Biofuels plant produces animal bedding and wood pellets for heating and food smoking. It stores large quantities of wood waste and alcohol-based materials — substances which are highly combustible under the right conditions.
Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt stated that responders initially faced intense flames and heavy smoke upon arrival. The site is located in an industrial area, surrounded by other factories and processing facilities.
While the cause is still under investigation, Mayor Spellerberg said officials strongly suspect wood dust in the plant’s elevator system sparked the explosion — a scenario common in combustible dust fires.
“That’s really the only thing that makes sense,” the mayor added.
The Horizon Biofuels company has not yet responded to calls for comment.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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