Worker Dies in Dust Explosion and Fire at Seed Cleaning Plant

A worker lost their life in a dust explosion and fire Tuesday morning at the Riches Seeds seed cleaning plant near Silverton, OR, according to local news reports.

Emergency response personnel were dispatched to the Riches Drive NE facility at about 9 a.m. Crews observed heavy smoke and flames in the structure upon arrival, Silverton Fire District said in coverage by the Salem Statesman-Journal.

Dispatchers were informed that the fire may have trapped several people on the plant’s second floor, an account by news broadcaster KPTV said. One person died inside the facility during the three-alarm blaze and another was taken to a hospital to receive treatment for injuries.

Officials told CBS News affiliate KOIN that the incident was a dust explosion.

Powder & Bulk Solids reported in February that three people were killed and five were injured in a dust explosionat an industrial building in Tuas, Singapore. Officials said that the explosion was caused by potato starch powder that was in a confined environment.

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