1:55 p.m. UPDATE (AP) — Officials say at least 10 people have been hospitalized and others could be trapped after an explosion and partial building collapse at an Omaha animal feed processing plant.
Interim Omaha Fire Chief Bernie Kanger said he’s not sure how many workers could be trapped in the wreckage of the International Nutrition plant. The fire that followed the explosion around 10 a.m. Monday has been extinguished. Firefighters are gingerly searching the structure, fearing that more debris could rain down.
Kanger says one firefighter was among those injured. At least two of the injured were sent to a burn center in Lincoln.
Kanger declined to comment on possible fatalities. At the time of the blast there were 38 employees at work.
12:31 p.m. (AP) — At least nine people have been hospitalized and others could be trapped after an explosion and partial building collapse at an Omaha animal feed processing plant.
Interim Omaha Fire Chief Bernie Kanger (KANG’-ur) said Monday that nine workers have been sent to hospitals. He says firefighters are searching the building for anyone who may have been trapped by the blast or the falling debris. He declined to comment on possible fatalities.
Family members who have gathered outside the International Nutrition plant say they’ve received cellphone calls from their loved ones inside who told them one or two people may be missing or trapped.
The fire and explosion were reported at 10 a.m. Plant officials declined to comment to The Associated Press.
11:a.m. (AP) — Firefighters and other rescue workers have been sent to the site of an explosion and partial building collapse in south-central Omaha.
There are reports from the scene Monday morning that some workers have been trapped or injured and taken to hospitals, but police and fire officials have not released any official information.
The fire and explosion were reported at 10 a.m. Monday at International Nutrition, which makes animal products. Smoke had been coming from the plant, but that has stopped. There appears to be some structural damage to the top of the building. Plant officials declined to comment.