An explosion at a grain elevator in Jefferson, IA, on Friday morning did not result in any injuries, according to the owner, but caused extensive damage.
Landus Cooperative reported on its corporate blog that dust particles caused an explosion at its Jefferson location around 8 a.m. The company added that local fire and emergency workers responded to the scene and contained the damage.
The area is arranged with six concrete storage bins next to each other and the elevator in the middle, with catwalks connecting the buildings.
According to a report at the Des Moines Register, the explosion caused "catastrophic" damage, blowing the tops off of at least four of the bins and destroying some walls. The western side of the buildings were crumbling and the catwalks had collapsed.
Landus reported that after an initial investigation, smoldering grain in a self-contained bin located next to the grain elevator was identified as the source of the explosion. A salvage company specializing in extinguishing grain was expected onsite Friday to safely remove the grain from the bin.
According to KCCI, a second, smaller explosion occurred at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
Landus reported the head house at the facility had started on fire, explaining this is 'a normal occurrence for this type of situation.' The local fire department was on hand to monitor and manage the situation. The location is secure and does not pose a threat to public safety.
Authorities said there were no injuries in either explosion.
