OMAHA, NEBRASKA, U.S. — Two people were killed and 10 injured in an explosion on Jan. 20 at the International Nutrition feed plant in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., according to news reports.
Omaha Police Lt. Darci Tierney told news reporters that all 38 of the workers who were in the building at the time had been accounted for, so the death toll wasn't expected to grow.
Authorities said late Monday that Keith Everett, 53, of Omaha, Nebraska, was one of the victims. The other victim's name hasn't been released. Search-and-rescue experts worked into the evening to stabilize the building and removed one victim.
Strong winds, cold temperatures and a dangerous building forced rescuers to stop their efforts before the second victim could be recovered. The search effort and investigation resumed on Jan. 21.
Authorities said they don't know what caused the blast, but Omaha Interim Fire Chief Bernie Kanger said there were no hazardous chemicals in the three-story plant.
The company makes products nutritional supplements for livestock and poultry feed.
The second and third floors of the plant collapsed on top of the first floor as key structural supports failed Monday. Kanger said firefighters were able to rescue five men initially, including one that had to be cut out of the debris.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will determine the cause of the accident, but Kanger said the investigation could take weeks.
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