Three people inside a Nebraska manufacturing building that partially collapsed in an explosion Tuesday evening remained missing as authorities tried to reach them.
Rescuers have been thwarted by the state of the mangled, warehouse-style building that appears to have been made of steel and corrugated metal walls, Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt said at a late-afternoon news conference.
A federally organized search-and-rescue task force based in Lincoln will tunnel through the debris if necessary to get to the three people, Bernt said.
“We are unable to gain access early on,” the chief said. “We tried to get access, but just due to the collapse with the mangled steel, we’re unable to get inside.”
Asked about the status of the three, the chief said they were unaccounted for. It wasn’t clear if they were employees.
The blast was reported a few minutes before noon at the location, where wood pellets for fuel are made by Horizon Biofuels, Inc., authorities said. The company also makes pet bedding under the name Elkhorn Valley Animal Bedding, according to NBC affiliate WOWT of Omaha.
A contact for Horizon Biofuels did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Smoke rose over the community at the southern end of the city, and the fire was still smoldering and could continue to do so for days, Bernt said.
City officials said drinking water was unaffected and air quality was not dangerous, though residents downwind should avoid breathing in smoky air. Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Nebraska State Patrol responded to the explosion and asked people to avoid the area, according to a statement. The cause of the blast was under investigation.
“We will continue to closely monitor the explosion in Fremont in coordination with local responders, law enforcement, and state partners,” Gov. Jim Pillen said on X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved — and we’re ready to help any way we can.”
Workers Still Unaccounted For
Company spokesperson Linda Reeves said that three employees working near the explosion site remain unaccounted for as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those missing, and we are doing everything possible to assist emergency crews in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” Reeves said in a brief statement.
The names of the missing individuals have not been released, pending family notification.
Investigation Underway
Officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office have begun a formal investigation into the cause of the explosion. Early reports suggest the incident may have originated from a pressurized chemical valve malfunction, but this has not been confirmed.
This marks the second industrial accident in Nebraska in the past six months, reigniting concerns over workplace safety standards in high-risk manufacturing zones.
Public Urged to Stay Clear of Area
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the area while crews conduct their investigation and clean-up efforts. More updates are expected as rescue operations continue into the evening.
Fremont Fire Chief Alan Torres told reporters that a hazardous materials team has been deployed due to the presence of industrial solvents and flammable gases on-site.
“We’re dealing with a highly volatile situation. The fire is under control, but we are still assessing structural damage and ensuring the air quality is safe for responders and nearby residents,” Torres said.
Nearby streets were closed, and residents within a half-mile radius were advised to stay indoors with windows closed as a precaution.
Austin Mullen and Matthew Mata contributed.