Food Production Plant Explosion Injures Two

A fire and explosion at the Innovation Production USA food production facility in Galesburg, IL sent two firefighters to the hospital Friday.

The fire started at about 9:30 a.m. in a dryer bin that contained grain. When firefighters arrived, white smoke was seen from a tower at the top of the building. Employees had begun dousing the flames, before two firefighters--Fire Captain Brock Schmitt and firefighter Andrew O'Daniel--attempted to attack the blaze from the top of the grain bin. An explosion occurred shortly thereafter, knocking the firefighters down. The explosion blew off several ventilation panels. Other firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze from outside.

The firefighters were transferred to a local hospital, treated, and released.

The incident was under investigation.