It is unclear what caused the explosion or how much damage the fire caused. (Facebook/Cedar Rapids Fire Department)
An explosion that apparently caused a fire at a Quaker Oats factory in Iowa on Friday, sending thick black smoke billowing through downtown Cedar Rapids as firefighters rushed to the facility billed as the world’s largest wheat factory.
No injuries were reported, and all workers were safely transported, according to local officials.
The Quaker Oats plant is the largest milling facility in the world, processing more than 2 million pounds of oats per day, according to the company’s website.
Firefighters Save HISTORIC ‘Godha Bapa’ Church From Raging NYC BUILDING BLAZE
Most of the fire was extinguished by 6:25 p.m., according to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. (Facebook/Cedar Rapids Firefighters / Unknown)
Firefighters were called to the plant around 4:44 p.m. local time after reports of an explosion and fire, according to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the north side of the building.
Additional firefighters from Marion, Hiawatha and Linn County were called to battle the blaze.
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said in a Facebook video that all workers are safe and accounted for. He said the fire was in an area of the factory where few employees were still working.
“It is not populated with employees and team members. Which, of course, in this case is a blessing,” said O’Donnell.
4 Canadian Soldiers Killed, Dozens Injured After Flash Fire At Military Base
Most of the fire was out by 6:25 p.m., although firefighters were still working inside the building, the fire department said.
Firefighters were called to the plant around 4:44pm after reports of an explosion and fire. (Facebook/Cedar Rapids Firefighters / Unknown)
No firefighters were injured.
Authorities have not said what caused the explosion or how much damage the fire caused.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
PepsiCo Foods US, which owns Quaker Oats, said the cause of the fire was under investigation.