Mill that exploded in Cambria had been reprimanded on safety
MADISON - A Wisconsin corn mill that exploded late Wednesday night was reprimanded by federal safety inspectors six years ago for not taking precautions against dust explosions, which are a major hazard in handling grain, records show.
The blast at the Didion Milling Plant in Cambria, about 45 miles northeast of Madison, killed at least two people. The second dead worker’s body was found Thursday night.
Emergency workers were searching for one other employee, and a dozen employees were taken to hospitals. None has been identified.
The cause of the blast remained unknown, Didion officials said. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators were on the scene.
“The safety and security of our employees is our top priority,” Didion Vice President of Operations Derrick Clark said in a news release. “Over the past 44 years, the Didion team has grown to be a close-knit family, and we ask for your prayers during this difficult time.”
The plant processes corn for ethanol and other uses. A review of online OSHA records shows the plant was cited in January 2011 for exposing its workers to dust explosion hazards. The records state that plant filters lacked an explosion protective system.
The agency ordered the mill to correct the problem by April 2011. The records show Didion paid a $3,465 fine and the case was closed in September 2013. OSHA hasn’t cited the plant for anything since, the records show.
Sixteen employees were working in the plant when the blast was reported around 11 p.m. Wednesday, village officials said.
Cambria Village President Glen Williams said the fire was contained by early Thursday and there were no evacuations in the area.
Two plant employees were treated and released. Twelve employees were taken to hospitals.