Investigation under way into explosion and fire at Onida ethanol plant

The State Fire Marshall’s office begins their investigation into the cause of Sunday’s explosion and fire at the Ringneck Energy ethanol plant in Onida. They were at the scen on Monday.

Six employees were at work at the time but no one was injured.

Walt Wendland is the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Ringneck Energy. He says based on location of the damage, they have some idea of what may have happened. He believes there was a vapor buildup in an air vent.

Wendland says there is a lot of work to be done in the ethanol processing part of the plant but it appears the equipment needed for processing survived.

Wendland says for now, the area around the Ringneck Energy ethanol plant remains closed to the public.

July 11, 2023