One Killed, 15 Injured in Fertilizer Warehouse Fire

The fire resulted in a mass evacuation.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

July 9, 2024

1 Min Read
Woman killed and more than a dozen injured in fertilizer warehouse fire
A woman died due to a car crash into the facility.WIN-Initiative/Neleman/STone via Getty Images

A fire at a fertilizer warehouse on Saturday has left one woman dead and more than a dozen firefighters injured.

According to a preliminary investigation by the South Hill, VA Police Department, the fire started after a woman drove into the Nutrien Ag Solutions facility and hit a propane tank inside. Authorities said the crash knocked the propane tank 10 feet to 20 feet, and the propane tank began shooting flames "like a flamethrower."

Several employees told WRAL News no one was inside when the fire started because they were given the weekend off for Independence Day. The company said they employ nearly two dozen people.

After battling the massive warehouse fire, fire crews stayed up all night Saturday to monitor the fire, putting out hot spots to ensure it doesn't restart.

At least 15 firefighters were taken to VCU Community Memorial Hospital for injuries related to chemical exposure, heat exhaustion and minor scrapes and burns. Only one remains hospitalized as of Sunday afternoon.

Firefighter Rickie Bowen said it was the largest fire he’d ever seen in his 16-year firefighting career, WRAL reported.

EMS airlifted the woman to the hospital with burns, and on Sunday, the South Hill Police Chief confirmed the woman died from her injuries around 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Authorities said they don't know what caused the woman to crash into the warehouse, adding the Medical Examiner's Office will conduct a toxicology test.

Crews were to remain on the property for several days.

Around 8 p.m., police said the firefighters completely contained the fire with help from several agencies.

About the Author

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and IT.

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