Three people remain missing following a massive explosion at a biofuels plant in Fremont, Nebraska, on Tuesday. The blast occurred at the Horizon Biofuels facility, which produces animal bedding and wood pellets for heating and smoking food. Fire crews battled the blaze for hours, with the building still burning into the evening.
During a briefing, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg confirmed that three individuals were unaccounted for and inside the building. He stated that authorities were collaborating with the state patrol and other agencies to assess the structural integrity of the plant before conducting a search. The Fremont Fire Department reported late Tuesday that firefighters remained on scene, but no update on the missing persons was available.
Fire Chief Todd Bernt said first responders encountered heavy smoke and flames upon arrival. The first call reporting the explosion came just before noon local time. Bernt noted that the facility stores wood and alcohol-based materials, complicating firefighting efforts. He explained that access was initially impossible due to collapsed, mangled steel.
Dodge County Attorney Pamela Hopkins, who also serves as coroner, said law enforcement was focused on securing the scene and ensuring community safety. She declined further comment. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen expressed readiness to assist, stating on social media that the state was closely monitoring the situation.
Fremont, the sixth-largest city in Nebraska with a population of around 27,000, lies about 32 miles northwest of Omaha.
