One dead, four injured in explosion at Nebraska ethanol plant, officials say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An employee was killed Monday in an explosion at the Green Plains ethanol plant in Wood River, state officials say.

Around 2:40 p.m., Wood River Fire & Rescue responded to the ethanol plant on a report of an explosion with injuries.

When crews arrived, firefighters found a liquid holding tank that had been involved in an explosion, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency says.

An employee was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Hall County attorney has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Another employee was taken to an Omaha hospital and remains in critical condition.  Three contractors were also treated at a local hospital for minor injuries.

At the time of the explosion, work was being done on the holding tank.  The Fire Marshal Agency says the cause of the explosion is considered accidental.

Green Plains released a statement regarding the explosion:

“We are deeply saddened to report that a Green Plains employee was fatally injured at our facility in Wood River, Nebraska, on April 17, 2023, during routine maintenance and repairs on a whole stillage tank. The plant was not operational at the time. We send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our employee. Another employee and three contractors on site were injured and are receiving medical treatment. We are cooperating with the authorities and will be conducting a full investigation.”