A tragic explosion at a Nebraska biofuels plant in Fremont has resulted in the deaths of three people, including two young children. The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon and was captured on nearby security cameras, showing the brick building bursting into flames. The Nebraska State Patrol and other local authorities are working to assess the scene and ensure it is safe for entry.
At least three people are dead, including two children, after a dramatic explosion at a Nebraska biofuels plant on Tuesday afternoon. The blast at Horizon Biofuels, which was captured on nearby security cameras, showed the brick building bursting into flames. Black smoke was later seen billowing from the building. As of Wednesday morning, the fire is still active, and crews were unable to enter.
Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg said during a news conference the explosion happened just before noon Tuesday, and responding firefighters noticed the building collapsed. A male employee and his two young daughters may have been in an office area near the company’s grain bin at the time of the explosion. The two girls, under the age of 12, were waiting for their father to get off work to go to a doctor’s appointment, according to officials.
The Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Task Force One and nine volunteer fire departments assisted in fighting the blaze and assessing the building to ensure it is safe to enter. “We were unable to gain access early on,” said Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt. “We tried to get access, but just due to the collapse, with the mangled steel, we were unable to get inside. … That’s when we made the call for [the] task force to come in.” Drones have been used to survey the area, according to Spellerberg.
The plant, which also had a fire in 2014, stored wood and fuel pellets, according to officials. A three-mile radius around the site remains blocked off. “My heart hurts,” Spellerberg said. “It’s a tragedy. We pray for all the families involved. … We have every resource that we can coming to this site, so we will just continue to do that. We’ll continue to pray, lift up the families involved and we’ll continue to rally around them.”
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said his office offered help to the city located roughly 30 miles northwest of Omaha. “We will continue to closely monitor the explosion in Fremont in coordination with local responders, law enforcement, and state partners,” Pillen wrote in an X post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved—and we’re ready to help any way we can.” Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., also posted to X, noting he is in contact with local officials. “My team will be working to support their response to the explosion at Horizon Biofuels,” Flood wrote. “Our prayers are with the people of the City of Fremont, Dodge County, and the first responders on the scene.” The Nebraska State Patrol did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, questions are being raised about the safety standards and regulatory oversight at the plant. The plant’s location in an industrial area has raised concerns about the potential risks posed to nearby communities. The incident has also sparked a renewed discussion about the safety protocols in the biofuels industry, especially given the plant’s history of fires in the past. With the focus on the victims and their families, officials continue to emphasize the importance of supporting the response efforts and ensuring that all necessary resources are in place to assist the affected community.
In the wake of the tragedy, local authorities have pledged their continued support for the families of the victims and the first responders involved. The community is coming together to mourn and support those affected by the explosion, with many expressing their condolences and offering assistance. As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that the incident will have a lasting impact on the local area and the biofuels industry, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures and practices in the sector.