MARENGO, Iowa — An explosion in the southeast Iowa town of Marengo has injured at least 10 people and forced some residents to evacuate their homes or stay inside while crews work to put out the resulting fire.
ABC-affiliate KCRG reported the explosion happened at Heartland Crush at around 11:15 a.m. Thursday. The building is actually known as C6-Zero and is located at 810 E. South Street in the southeast part of town next to the Iowa County Fairgrounds. The City of Marengo says the C6-Zero facility is a shingle remanufactured.
The fire stopped burning at about 4 a.m. Friday. Residents who were evacuated Thursday night were able to return to their homes just after 7 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the City of Marengo.
A total of 30 people were inside the building when the explosion happened. Between 10-15 people have been injured in the incident with some being treated and released at the scene. As of Friday, two people are reported to be in serious condition. No fatalities have been confirmed at this time.
Due to the type of materials in the building, crews had to use foam to put out the fire.
Officials with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics told KCRG that they were operating in their procedures for a "mass casualty event" and were standing by until the fire was extinguished.
"At this time, we are evaluating the severity of injuries and are working to ensure all patients receive the care they require," the hospital said in a statement earlier Thursday afternoon. "We are unable to comment on the specific conditions of the patients in our care at this time. Families who need more information about a loved one should our main operator at 319-356-1616 or 1-800-777-8442."
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