Date: Jan 31, 2018
Location: Valdosta, Georgia (USA)
Address: 309 S Lee Street, 31601
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Pecan Dust (Agricultural Dust)
Industry: Food Processing
Equipment: Pecan Shell Silo (Storage Silo)
Company: South Georgia Pecan Company
Previous Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
South Georgia Pecan Company was founded in 1913 as a small family business. In 1967 it became a part of the Beatrice Food Group. The firm has four plants in Valdosta designed for processing pecan shells and production of pecan products.
Description of Pecan Dust Explosion:
On January 31st, 2018, WCTV.tv reported a silo used to store pecan shells exploded in Valdosta, Georgia. The street around the facility was blocked as emergency crews arrived at the scene at around 1pm.
The facility belonged to the South Georgia Pecan Company. The cause of the blast is yet to be determined, but appear to be caused by the ignition of the dust collected inside the silo. The company business operations remains uninterrupted, but the accident caused havoc in the local area.
Valdosta residents said the explosion was so strong it could be heard miles away. No one was injured, but according to U.S. News some nearby buildings, including a jewellery shop and a clothing store, got their windows shattered. Cars were damaged by the flying debris and the parking lot behind the facility was littered with twisted metal pieces and required clean up. It is current not clear who will pay for the community damages, but nearby residents have expressed interest in filing a claim against South Georgia Pecan.
