Date: May 29, 2018
Location: South Sioux City, Nebraska (USA)
Address: 2415 5th Avenue
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Corn (Grain Dust)
Industry: Agricultural
Equipment: Grain Elevator
Company: Andersen Farms
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: One Fatality, One Injured
Capital Cost: Elevator Destroyed
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
The grain elevator is owned by Andersen Farms and contains a 200 foot structure with a 30 foot drying cone on top. Limited information could be found about the processing operations beyond this publicly available information.
Description of Grain Elevator Explosion:On Tuesday, May 29 the online news agency SiouxlandProud.com reported a grain elevator explosion in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Three employees were present at the time of the explosion. One was treated for minor injuries and released on scene while another was taken to the hospital with serious burn injuries.
In an interview with the fire chief, the news agency reports that workers were getting ready to transfer grain at the time of the elevator explosion. Witnesses stated that the explosion started at the top of the elevator and worked its way down. News reporters on the scene also stated hear 3-5 minor explosions half an hour after the initial explosion. City drones and thermal imaging cameras were used to identify remaining hot-spots and put out the burning grain fires. A ruptured gas line was allowed to burn until the utility company could cut the main gas lines.
Videos from the Sioux City Journal and KETV Newswatch show extensive damage to the grain elevator after the explosion. A major concern was the level of structural damage and potential collapse of the 230 foot elevator. At least 50 individuals were evacuated from their homes immediately following the explosion. By Thursday, KTIV News 4 reported that more than a dozen homes remain evacuated while engineers and officials determine the safest way to bring the building down. Demolition of the top of the damaged elevator took two weeks after which point residents were allowed to return home. As of June 21, the Sioux City Journal stated that demolition of the elevator will take up to three more weeks. No update has been given on the condition of employee with serious burn injuries.
Demolition of the top of the damaged elevator took two weeks after which point residents were allowed to return home. As of June 21, the Sioux City Journal stated that demolition of the elevator will take up to three more weeks. The employee with serious burn injuries later died in the hospital on July 9.
On October 15, 2018, Firehouse reported that South Sioux City has sued the grain elevator owner for more than $120,000 to cover the emergency expenses connected with the incident. According to city code referenced in the lawsuit, the city is entitled to reimbursement of such expenses from the owner of a property that has been deemed an unsafe structure and must be secured.
Related Incidents:
In 1974, a grain elevator explosion at Bartlett Grain off of highway 75, just minutes from the location of the Anderson Farms Elevator, claimed the lives of four men and injured one. Eleven workers were onsite at the time and the grain dust explosion was caused by a spark from machinery near the top of the silo. Flying cement and spilled grain were believed to have caused the fatal injuries. The cement also damaged nearby business. Video footage of the damage can be seen in an article provided by KTIV News.
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Update:
Subsequent videos were released of the explosion incident and demolition of the grain elevator.
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Sources:
SiouxlandProud.com
Sioux City Journal
KETV Newswatch
KTIV News 4
GenDisasters
KTIV News 4 (1974 Video)
Sioux City Journal (Update)
Sioux City Journal (Update)
Lincoln Journal Star (Update)
Sioux City Journal (Update)
