Crews Called After Explosion At Eastern Iowa Grain Elevator

Crews were called Thursday night onto the scene of a potential explosion at a corn processing plant.

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At around 7 pm Thursday night, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department was called to the scene of an explosion at an ADM plant. The plant is located on 60^th Avenue Southwest.

According to reports, when the firefighters arrived at the scene all ADM employees were safely out of the hazardous area.  Personnel told first responders that the explosion may have involved grain and equipment in the elevators.

Reports of fire were coming from one of the smaller silos that were used as a small storage area.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office personnel used drones to check the top of the elevators. They found the elevators had damage to the conveyor equipment.

Firefighters examined the area around the silos and found damaged equipment and smoldering fire in the elevators.

 The Gazette says in a 1:30 AM update that fire crews along with ADM personnel “determined it was unsafe to place personnel in firefighting positions,”

As of 10 AM this morning, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department says " there is a smoldering grain fire in one or more of the silos and CRFD and ADM crews are beginning the process of active engagement."

Headquartered in Chicago, ADM is a global leader in human and animal nutrition as a premier agriculture organization and processing company. ADM connects crops to markets on six continents.

This is an ongoing story and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available. Download our free app to stay up to date on any updates from the situation.