Nebraska plant explosion: Three dead after blast at biofuels facility; fire continues to grow

Three people, including two kids, who remained unaccounted for following a powerful explosion at a biofuels plant in Fremont, Nebraska, were confirmed dead Wednesday. The blast occurred midday at Horizon Biofuels , a facility that produces fuel pellets and animal bedding. The explosion caused a large fire and significant structural collapse, making it too dangerous for crews to enter and search for the dead.

"When we arrived on scene, we had heavy smoke and a lot of flames coming out," Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt said at a press briefing Tuesday afternoon as reported by AP. "We had a lot of structural collapse."

Three people were inside the building at the time of the explosion, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg confirmed. "But that's all we could say at this point," he said.

Spellerberg said the two children were waiting for the employee to get off work so they could go to a doctor’s appointment. He wasn't sure of their exact ages but said both were under age 12.

The collapse severely limited rescue efforts.

"Early on, we tried to get access, but just due to the collapse with the mangled steel, we were unable to get inside," Bernt said.

The fire remains active as of Wednesday, especially in the facility’s tower. Bernt said crews are expected to remain on site for several days. The plant contains large quantities of wood and alcohol-based materials, which have contributed to the fire’s intensity.

The Fremont Fire Department called in Nebraska Task Force One to assess how to safely conduct a search. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office is among several agencies responding.


Horizon Biofuels has a history of fire-related incidents. In 2014, a fire at the same building damaged its electrical system but left the structure intact, according to the Fremont Tribune.

"It's quite incredible to see the work, and we're doing everything we can with this situation," Mayor Spellerberg said, praising the coordinated emergency response.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen also said he is closely monitoring the situation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved -- and we're ready to help any way we can," Pillen said in a statement.

A woman who came to the scene to hand out water to first responders described seeing a "large black puff of smoke" after the explosion.

"I was just instantly praying that nobody was hurt," she told reporters. "That's all we can hope for. We're a good community. Everybody will rally together and help each other."

Fremont, a city of about 27,000 residents, is located roughly 32 miles (52 kilometers) northwest of Omaha. It is the sixth-largest city in Nebraska.