Grain Elevator Explosion in Brewster, MN Injures 1
A grain elevator explosion at New Vision Cooperative in Brewster, MN injured one person on Tuesday at around 5:40 P.M. Firefighters were already at the scene responding to the report of a grain silo fire that occurred on Monday morning, just before 10:00 AM. The explosion took place as firefighters were putting out the fire by unloading about 15,000 bushels of corn. Firefighters say the explosion ignited when a water blast hit the smoldering corn, pushing it toward grain dust. One firefighter was taken to Sanford Worthington Medical Center for injuries sustained in the blast. The cause of the initial fire is unknown. At the time of the fire, the grain bin contained just 20% of its 75,000-bushel capacity.
Why Do Grain Elevators Explode?
Grain elevator explosions can occur when highly combustible grain dust ignites. Explosions can also occur if grain dust accumulates on a surface. Ignition sources can be any of the following.
- Static electricity
- Lit cigarette
- Lightning
- Sparks from a welding torch
- Overheated equipment
A grain dust explosion can cause serious injury and even death. The number of grain dust explosions significantly increased in 2018, but injuries and fatalities declined. Researchers from Purdue University attribute the lower number of injuries to the fact that many of the incidents in 2018 were minor explosions.
Minnesota Fire and Explosion Lawyers
Our award-winning fire and explosion lawyers have won hundreds of millions of dollars for explosion victims and their families in Minnesota. If you or someone you love was injured in a grain elevator explosion, you may be entitled to compensation. Fill out the form below, call 1-888-377-8900, or text 612-261-0856 for a free consultation about your case.
