Dashcam video captures explosion at grain elevator

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Firefighters responded to an explosion at a grain elevator on La. 397 at the Farmers Rice Milling Company.

Robert LeDoux was sitting in his truck waiting to unload when the explosion happened. His dashcam captured the explosion.

“We came on scene the top of the elevator was smoking along with a motor on the other elevator,” said LeBleu Fire Chief, Tom Leonards.

Leonards said crews quickly extinguished the flames.

“Lake Charles Fire used a line truck and shot water up in the silo to wash it out we suspect something ignited the dust in the solo which caused the explosion,” said Leonards.

“We had some kind of a flash fire not sure what it is we’re going to get on the investigation and figure out what it is, as of right now we’re not sure what caused it,” said Farmers Rice Milling Company General Manager Darrell Bennett.

Bennett said production will be hindered for a day or two but in the meantime, the facility is working to find solutions.

No injuries were reported, according to Kayla Vincent, spokeswoman for the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office.

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