An explosion yesterday at Southfork Dairy Farm in Castro County, Texas has left one person hospitalized.
Around 7:21 p.m. first responders received calls saying that employees were trapped inside of the milking parlor. According to NewChannel10, the injured employee was flown to UMC Hospital in Lubbock and is reported in critical condition.
Other sources report that all employees are accounted for.
Posts on social media indicate that the fire spread into the dairy cow holding pens. The number of dairy cattle lost in the subsequent fire is reported at around 18,000 head. The remaining cattle have been moved to another facility.
Further reports indicate that Dimmit, Hart, and Nazareth fire crews responded and worked to clear buildings and extinguish fires. Multiple other county responders also assisted.
The fire’s cause is still under investigation by the Texas State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality is assessing damage.
Our thoughts are with the affected dairy workers, owners, and all affected.
