Dust Explosion, Fire Destroys Minnesota Grain ElevatorDust Explosion, Fire Destroys Minnesota Grain Elevator

An explosion at a Northrop, MN grain elevator on Dec. 28 blew off the top section of the structure, scattering debris that caused damages to nearby buildings and vehicles, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office told local media.

Reported at about noon, the explosion occurred at the LB Pork site when grain dust combusted as a tractor pulled up to the elevator to receive a load of feed corn, according to a report by Mankato, MN television news station KEYC.

Three workers at the Northrop elevator received minor injuries and were treated at the site and released, Minneapolis NBC News affiliate KARE reported.  

A fire broke out at the elevator the morning after the explosion that fully engulfed the remains of the elvator, prompting the response of over 30 fire, police, and EMS crews, KEYC’s coverage said. Officials told local media after the fire was put down that they planned to tear down the remains of the elevator.

The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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