Date: February 2, 2022
Location: Clovis, New Mexico (USA)
Address: 1327 US-60, 88101
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Grain Dust
Industry: Grain Processing (Agriculture)
Equipment: Ductwork
Company: Gavilon Grain LLC
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: One Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
According to its website, Gavilon Grain LLC is an agribusiness headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It has multiple locations across the country. It has strategic relationships with grain processing companies, livestock producers, feed manufacturers, and food and feed industries around the world.
Incident Description:
On February 5, 2022, the Eastern New Mexico News reported a fire and explosion at a grain elevator in Clovis, New Mexico.
Fire crews first responded after an employee heard an explosion at around 11:00 a.m. and called for help. As firefighters reached the top of the structure, there was visible fire in several of the grain elevators and they observed smoke coming from a ground pit that was used to unload grain. While helping to set trucks up with porta tanks (there being no hydrant), they heard several smaller explosions from multiple points inside and under silos. Multiple blowout doors on the grain legs were blown open and multiple grain legs had visible fire showing.
When fire crews accessed the roof, it was discovered that an old fan was smoking still and warm to the touch. The fan cover was removed and the inside of the fan was soaked with water. Old dust that had collected inside the fans was removed by hand while continually spraying water. At around 5:30 p.m., they managed to get water up to the fire inside the ductwork and were able to spray from two directions to cool it.
One firefighter suffered an arm fracture when his arm was pinned between a hose and railing. He was hospitalized but soon released.
According to the Fire Chief, a combination of welding work and grain powder accumulation in the ductwork likely led to the explosion and fire.
Firefighters remained on scene overnight in case flare-ups occurred.
Sources:
Eastern New Mexico News
