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A tragic explosion at a Nebraska biofuels plant claimed the lives of at least three individuals, including two children, on Tuesday afternoon.
Security cameras nearby captured the dramatic moment when Horizon Biofuels erupted in flames after the blast. Subsequently, black smoke was observed billowing from the building.
As of Wednesday morning, the fire remains active, and emergency crews have been unable to enter the premises.
During a news briefing, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg disclosed that the explosion occurred shortly before noon on Tuesday, and responding firefighters found the building in a collapsed state.
Authorities confirmed that there are still active fires within the building, which housed flammable materials. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)
A male employee and his two young daughters were potentially in an office area near the company’s grain bin at the time of the explosion, Mayor Spellerberg mentioned.
The two girls, both under the age of 12, were waiting for their father to finish work so they could attend a doctor’s appointment, according to official reports.
The explosion on Tuesday heavily damaged the top of the building in Fremont, Nebraska. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)
Various agencies, including the Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Task Force One, and nine volunteer fire departments, have collaborated in combating the blaze and assessing the building’s safety for entry.
“Early attempts to gain access were unsuccessful,” stated Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt. “Due to the collapsed infrastructure and twisted steel, we were unable to penetrate. … Consequently, we requested assistance from the task force.”
Drones have been deployed for surveillance of the area, Mayor Spellerberg added.
Following the explosion on Tuesday in Fremont, Nebraska, smoke rises from the building. (Nebraska State Patrol)
The facility, which had previously experienced a fire in 2014, stored wood and fuel pellets, as per official statements.
A three-mile radius around the area has been cordoned off.
“This is a heart-wrenching incident,” expressed Mayor Spellerberg. “It’s a tragedy. Our prayers are with all the affected families. … Every available resource is being mobilized at the site, and we will continue to offer our support. We will keep the families in our thoughts, rally around them, and provide assistance.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen extended his office’s support to the city, situated approximately 30 miles northwest of Omaha.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Fremont and collaborating with local responders, law enforcement, and state partners,” Pillen stated. “Our deepest sympathies are with everyone involved—and we stand ready to assist in any way possible.”
The blaze resulted in the tragic loss of at least three individuals. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP)
Representative Mike Flood, R-Neb., also acknowledged the incident on social media, indicating that his team is in contact with local authorities.
“We are prepared to assist in the response to the explosion at Horizon Biofuels,” Flood wrote. “Our thoughts are with the residents of Fremont, Dodge County, and the dedicated first responders at the scene.”
At the time of publication, the Nebraska State Patrol had not responded to queries from Fox News Digital.
