Dust Explosion Reported at Grain Elevator in Kansas

A grain dust explosion at a grain elevator in Kansas left one person with injuries last Thursday.

John S. Forrester, former Managing Editor

June 17, 2020

1 Min Read
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A grain dust explosion damaged the Equity Exchange grain elevator in Liberal, KS last Thursday and left one worker with minor injuries, the company announced in a social media post.  

“The Liberal location of Equity Exchange experienced a grain dust explosion this afternoon, June 11. One employee suffered a slight injury and was treated at the scene,” the company said in a statement posted to its Facebook page. “The damage is limited to the north annex of the elevator.”

20 firefighters and two fire engines from the Liberal Fire Department responded to the incident, according to Equity Exchange. 

“After gaining access to the top of the structure, firefighters found that there had been an explosion and flash fire in the bin(s) and there was grain still smoldering in two of the bins,” Liberal Fire Deputy Chief Skeety Poulton said in a release quoted by LiberalFirst.com.

Crews allowed the smoldering grain to burn out in the bins overnight. The facility was closed for the remainder of Thursday and the following Friday while the company assessed damages. An investigation into the cause of the dust explosion and fire is ongoing.

About the Author

John S. Forrester

former Managing Editor, Powder & Bulk Solids

John S. Forrester is the former managing editor of Powder & Bulk Solids.

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