This story has been updated with additional information.
An explosion at Panhandle Milling in Dawn, Texas, overnight left one person dead and three people critically injured, authorities said July 23.
The Amarillo Fire Department said the Deaf Smith County emergency manager requested mutual aid around 4 a.m., and AFD sent its rescue team to the scene along with the Urban Search and Rescue trailer and a chief with Unit 2.
AFD said multiple victims were reported. Three people who were critically injured were hospitalized, and one deceased person was later found in the debris.
The Dawn Volunteer Fire Department said in a Facebook post that crews were sent out to the site at around 3:31 a.m. “We were paged out this morning, July 23, at 3:31am. The page was for 4805 FM 809, Dawn, TX. For an explosion at Panhandle Milling, visible fire with unknown injuries. Our engine was on scene first, followed by our brush units and tankers. Our brush units quickly contained and snuffed out a grass fire from the explosion.”
Dawn VFD said Hereford Fire and Hereford EMS units arrived to help with treatment of injured individuals and search and rescue, and “it was decided early on to have Amarillo Fire en route to help aid in the search and rescue efforts.” Responding units also included the Hereford Police Department, Deaf Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Dimmitt EMS, TDEM, BSA and AMR.
“We are very appreciative of the efforts made by everyone near and far. … “To those hurting from the tragedy, our deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your families,” the post said.
The Texas Department of Transportation said FM 809 from FM 1062 to FM 2587 near Dawn was closed due to the incident, and people were asked to avoid the area.
Amarillo crews were still working on cleanup at the site around 9:15 a.m.
According to the Panhandle Milling’s website, advanced technology is used at the Dawn flour mill and mix facility to yield products from various grains, and it is a PHM Brands company.
This is a developing story; more information will be added as it becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Explosion at Panhandle Milling leaves at least 1 dead, 3 injured
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
