A propane explosion at a hog farm near Kingsley, IA this morning has left two people critically injured. Emergency responders were called to the scene at the 27552 Polk Avenue between Remsen and Kingsley – just east of Sioux City, around 7:15 a.m. There they found two men who had suffered severe injuries.
Both men were taken to Mercy Medical Center, a Level II tramua center in Sioux City. One of the men was transported via ambulance, the other was airlifted. Their names have not been released.
I’m on the scene of a fire near Kingsley that is believed to be started by a propane explosion. A number of fire crews and the Iowa State Patrol are on scene. Right now I have to stay a good distance away for safety but will have more info when it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/ScgdG6RboK
— Brett Funke (@BrettKTIV4) March 23, 2018
A fire that followed the explosion destroyed four buildings, no hogs were killed. Thick smoke billowing from the blaze could be seen from miles away.
Propane Leak Suspected Cause of Explosion
Kingsley Fire Chief Paul Huth said the likely cause of the explosion was a propane leak and that the vapors were ignited when the men entered the barn and an automatic heater kicked in. An investigation is ongoing.
Burns and Other Explosion Injuries
Officials did not disclose the specific injuries the two men suffered. Fred Pritzker, an attorney who represents people who have been injured in explosions said that these injuries can include burns, blunt force trauma, crush injuries, lacerations and organ damage from the pressure of the blast wave. Burns are one of the most common injuries that result from an explosion, he said. Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman are the lead explosion attorneys at Pritzker Hageman. They represent clients nationwide and have won multiple settlements over $10 million for clients who suffered serious injuries from explosions.
