AP/Lang
12/8/22
A Thursday explosion and fire at an agricultural plant in Marengo caused injuries and an evacuation of people near the operation.
The explosion and fire happened about 11:15 a.m. Thursday at a plant owned by Heartland Crush, a soybean crushing company. As the fire spread, firefighters from Tiffin, Oxford, Coralville, Hills, Brooklyn and Grinnell arrived for mutual aid.
Hours later, the fire continued to burn. Five people were taken by ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and others were driven separately to hospitals in personal vehicles.
Residents near the plant were evacuated, and the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office advised people who live at a safe distance to stay indoors to avoid exposure to smoke. Evacuees were housed at the Marengo American Legion hall and the Iowa County Transportation building until it was deemed safe for them to return home.
The investigation continues.