Vacuum spark blamed in Ohio grain silo explosion

EVENDALE, Ohio (AP) - A fire chief says explosions and a fire at a southwest Ohio grain silo began with a spark in a vacuum that pulls dust off the grain.

The fire Friday caused heavy damage at the large Bunge (BUNG’-ee) North America facility in the village of Evendale. No injuries were reported.

The Cincinnati Enquirer (https://cin.ci/1tzpfXf ) reports firefighters remained at the site this weekend, checking for hot spots. The structures that needed checked included one where the fire sparked, which is as tall as a 22-story building.

Evendale’s fire chief says the system that runs water through the facility in case of a fire wasn’t working.

A spokeswoman at Bunge North America headquarters in St. Louis has said the agribusiness and food ingredients company is working with the fire department.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, https://www.enquirer.com