Seven people were injured when an explosion occurred at Coshocton Grain Co. in Coshocton, OH just after 4pm Wednesday afternoon.

According to co-owner Larry Endsley, all seven people were inside the bin at the time. Five of the victims were Coshocton Grain employees; two were state grain graders. One victim was flown to Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, while the other six were taken to Coshocton County Memorial Hospital. All of the injuries were considered minor.

Endsley said several rail cars were being filled with corn at the time of the explosion that blew the roofs and backs off several silos and grain bins, and that the explosion was likely caused by a spark amid the grain dust. Endsley stated that although grain elevator explosions aren’t as common as they once were because of precautions to keep dust clear, but that grain elevators are prone to explosions.

Coshocton Grain Co. is expected to be closed for several weeks.

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