July ethanol plant explosion deemed accidental
Published: Nov. 16, 2023 at 3:38 PM CST
ONIDA, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - State officials released more details about the cause of an explosion at an ethanol plant in Onida.
A report from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety revealed the July incident had been deemed accidental, but investigators said human involvement appeared to be a factor.
The report also highlighted two separate explosions in different areas of the facility that were caused when high-proof ethanol vapors escaped a slurry tank and ignited during a restart process from shutting down operations.
The ignition source at both locations remains undetermined.
The report can be read below.
Previous Coverage:
- UPDATE: SD Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate Onida ethanol plant explosion
- Onida ethanol plant explosion: still no answers
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