An electrical problem is likely to blame for sparking Monday’s deadly grain elevator explosion in Union Mills, according to fire investigators. Two motors apparently overheated and caused the silo to blow up, killing 67-year-old James Swank, who was at the top of the structure when it blew Monday afternoon and fell to his death. The fire was contained to the silo, and no other injuries were reported. The fire rekindled Tuesday night, and some grain was still smoldering Wednesday. Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and State Fire Marshal’s Office were called in to investigate.
Fire Rekindles at Union Mills Explosion Site
Firefighters were called back to the site of a grain elevator explosion in Union Mills last night after a hot spot apparently rekindled. Smoke was spotted billowing from the silo at the Union Mills Co-Op around 8 last night. It exploded around 1:30 Monday afternoon, killing 67-year-old James Swank, who lived nearby. He was on top of the silo at the time, according to the LaPorte County coroner, who says he fell to his death. Federal, state and local investigators are still trying to determine the ignition source of the blast. That has proved challenging, as the structure is not yet safe for them to enter. Early indications are that the explosion took place near the top of the 175 foot tall structure.
Union Mills Co-Op Explosion Kills 1, No Other Injuries
The explosion in Union Mills that took the life of one employee is still under investigation and no cause has yet been determined. According to LaPorte County Chief Deputy Jim Sosinski, the sheriff’s office received a call of an explosion at the Union Mills Co-Op on 800 South around 1:27 p.m., and upon their arrival, no flames were found but there was extensive damage to a grain elevator caused by the explosion. The explosion killed 67-year-old James Swank of Union Mills.
