Two workers injured in tank explosion near Beatrice

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by Julie Tork

Two people were injured and sent to the hospital after and explosion at Koch Nitrogen plant Sunday morning. The plant is located just northwest of Beatrice. Rescue crews said a tank at the plant exploded around 9:30 Sunday morning.

One worker caught in the explosion was flown to a Lincoln hospital with facial burns. The second was taken to an emergency room in Beatrice with a shoulder injury.

Koch representatives said the 2 contracted workers suffered non-life threatening injuries. Their names and conditions have not been released.

Beatrice Fire and Rescue and rural fire and Gage County Sheriff's Department all responded to the incident.

"They were working on a tank atop some scaffolding about 35 feet off the ground when the explosion occurred," said Jake Carrel, Beatrice Fire & Rescue. "There was a flash fire that was out immediately and the workers were able to self-rescue themselves. They were wearing their safety harnesses and were able to make their way down the scaffolding."

Koch representatives said the plant had been closed for equipment maintenance. The company plans to conduct its own investigation into what caused the explosion.

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