Fire Marshal Investigating Francesville Grain Elevator Explosion

explosion-2Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are in Francesville this morning, where a grain elevator explosion yesterday severely injured two people. It happened around 2 p.m. yesterday at the Tate & Lyle facility on Bill Street. Firefighters were not able to go inside due to concerns about air quality and structural stability, and wind prohibited the use of a drone camera to assess the condition of the interior.

Francesville Deputy Town Marshal Robert Hickman tells WKVI News firefighters from Monticello and Francesville were finally able to enter last night and determined there were not air quality issues but the structure is badly damaged. They did find rubble still burning in the pit and were able to extinguish it. The site was secured overnight, and the investigation got under way this morning.

Authorities have not released the names of the two people who were injured. They say one was an employee, and the other was a truck driver. Both were badly burned and were airlifted to a larger hospital for more extensive treatment.

Officials with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department advise all roads in Francesville are now open. The two-block area around the elevator was cordoned off yesterday for safety, but no evacuations were ordered.