Thursday, December 5, 2013

Volume 98; Number 24

www.bladepublishing.net staff@bladepublishing.net

A community newspaper serving Browerville, MN and surrounding areas. USPS 067-560

75

Thanksgiving explosion rocks Browervilles Land O Lakes plant

On Thanksgiving afternoon an explosion in the dryer area of the Land O Lakes plant in Browerville sent a plume of dark smoke and flames high above the plant that was reportedly seen by residents up to several miles away. The explosion, the cause of which has yet to be determined, heavily damaged the internal structure of the building along with several pieces of equipment located on the roof of the facility. None of the three employees that were working that afternoon were injured in the explosion and resulting fire, although one Browerville Fire Department member was treated and released at a local hospital for minor flash burns. Reportedly, 21 people are employed at the Milk Replacer Plant, and the future of their jobs remains uncertain as of Monday morning. On Tuesday, December 3rd, a team of specialists from Texas will be visiting the facility to try to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the extent of the damages. No official statement has been made by Land O Lakes at this time. The following is an official release from the Todd County Sheriffs Department that assisted at the scene along with firefighters from Browerville and surrounding communities.: On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, at approx. 4:35 pm, the Todd County Sheriffs Office received a call of an explosion at Land O Lakes in Browerville. A piece of equipment exploded causing a fire that eventually spread to equipment on the roof of the building. The Browerville Fire Dept. was assisted at the scene by Staples, Clarissa, and Long Prairie Fire Departments. A member of the Browerville Fire Dept. received minor burns and was transported to CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie by private vehicle. Fire personnel were on the scene until approx. 11:30 pm. Browerville ambulance was also dispatched to the scene and remained there until the fire was extinguished. Watch future editions of the Blade for updates on the future of the Browerville Land O Lakes plant.

WEEKLY WEATHER REPORT

Tue. Dec. 3 Snow 32/11 Wed. Dec. 4 Snow Showers/Wind 16/-4 Thur. Dec. 5 Partly Cloudy 0/-15 Fri. Dec. 6 Partly Cloudy -4/-18 Sat. Dec. 7 Sunny -5/-18 Sun. Dec. 8 Mostly Cloudy 5/-6