Nebraska Biofuels Plant Explosion Kills Three, Fuels Ongoing Firefighting

A massive explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont, Nebraska, resulted in the deaths of two children and an adult who had been missing amid the blaze. The explosion caused significant structural damage, including the destruction of the plant's tower and widespread debris, shaking nearby homes and impeding rescue efforts due to ongoing fires fueled by wood waste and alcohol-based materials stored on site. Firefighters and first responders faced intense flames and heavy smoke, forcing a transition to recovery operations as the fire persisted overnight. The plant, established in 1965 and producing animal bedding and wood pellets, had previously been cited for serious OSHA violations in 2012 related to fire hazards and employee training, though no recent violations have been reported. Local officials and law enforcement continue to focus on public safety and investigation into the cause of the explosion. Community members remain shaken as authorities manage the aftermath of the disaster.