FREMONT — A preliminary investigation is calling the explosion that leveled a Fremont manufacturing plant accidental.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office said in a news release Thursday afternoon that it believes the blast at Horizon Biofuels was caused by an “accidental dust explosion” that occurred during the manufacturing process.
The explosion Tuesday reduced most of the building to rubble and killed three people.
Eight-year-old Fayeah and 12-year-old Hayven died in the incident at Horizon Biofuels along with their dad, Dylan D. Danielson, 32, of Columbus.
Horizon, which produces wood pellets for pet bedding and other products, was fined $6,000 in 2012 for four violations that were deemed “serious” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The fire marshal’s office said instability of what remains of the Horizon building is hampering efforts to more thoroughly investigate the cause of the explosion.