Date: May 23, 2019
Location: Hastings, Nebraska (USA)
Address: 265 N. Showboat Blvd., 68901
Type: Potential Dust Fire
Fuel: Fertilizer Dust
Industry: Dry Fertilizer Production
Equipment: Unknown
Company: Cooperative Producers Inc.
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Three Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Cooperative Producers Inc. is a farmer-owned cooperative headquartered in Hastings, Nebraska. It was founded in 1978 and operates locations in 32 communities, serviced by more than 400 employees.
Incident Description:
On May 24, 2019, Powder & Bulk Solids reported a fire at a dry fertilizer production plant in Hastings, Nebraska.
Firefighters arrived soon after the incident started at around 11:30 p.m. on May 23. They managed to extinguish the flames by 4:00 a.m. In the interim, U.S. Highway 6 near the plant was closed and railroad tracks to the north also were briefly shut down. Nearby homes and businesses were briefly ordered to keep their windows closed and remain indoors.
Law enforcement officials told reporters that at least one building was destroyed and that three workers were taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for minor burns. According to the Sioux City Journal, the injured parties were truck drivers sleeping in the parking lot.
The remains of the fire are expected to smoulder for several days. The cause is currently unknown.
Sources:
Powder & Bulk Solids
Sioux City Journal