Three bodies found after Fremont explosion

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The bodies of the three people killed in an explosion at a plant in Fremont were found Wednesday, authorities say.

Nebraska Task Force One and local agencies recovered the bodies of a man and two girls, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

The man was identified as 32-year-old Dylan Danielson of Columbus.

The sheriff’s office said the names of the girls will not be released, but Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg said they were both under 12.

“My heart hurts, it hurts for this situation, it’s a tragedy,” Mayor Joey Spellerberg said. “We are praying for all of the families involved.”

But he said it’s nice to see Fremont and all of Nebraska come together.

Investigators think the kids were waiting for an employee to go to a doctor’s appointment.

An autopsy has been ordered for the man.

Authorities said the structure has been “difficult” to access due to instability and an active fire inside.

“The structure continues to weaken as we work and as the fire continues to burn,” Ashley Engler with Nebraska Task Force One said. “We are using all search-and-rescue efforts and capabilities we have, including structural engineers to obtain access in a safe manner.”

Spellerberg said the city and several other agencies are using every resource they have to respond to the explosion.

The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time.

The mayor said the Nebraska fire marshal is working with the company, Horizon Biofuels.

The explosion happened just before noon Tuesday at the plant near East Cloverly Road and South Union Street.

The building had “significant” damage, and nine fire departments responded to fight the flames, according to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

Crews worked throughout the night, and the fire was burning as of Wednesday night.

Fremont Rural Fire Chief Carl Nielsen said putting out the fire may take longer than expected.

“We have been nonstop fighting the fire; it’s been ongoing, and the building is still on fire,” he said. “We’re trying to start the delayering process this morning with heavy equipment that we’ve had mobilized. It’s going to be very slow so as we peel pieces off, we’re going to be doing fire suppression at the same time as the search.”