Several explosions and a fire heavily damaged a grain elevator in southeast Iowa early today. Fire crews from Creston, Afton and Orient are currently on the scene of the fire and explosion in Creston near the DeBruce Grain location.
Union County Emergency Management Coordinator Roger Nurnberg says the fire is under control but there is still danger with leaking gas fumes and future explosions. Witnesses say there were a series of explosions around 6:45 this morning.
Fire chief Todd Jackson says the building was fully engulfed and several vehicles were also on fire when they arrived. He says two employees were injured. Jackson says one had a minor burn to his leg, and he fell as he was going over a fence. The other inhaled some hexane.
Jackson says two buildings and four vehicles were heavily damaged. He says the fire doesn’t appear to be suspicious in nature, although the state fire marshal has been called in to help with the investigation.