SHELL ROCK, Iowa (KCRG) – Around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, first responders were called to an explosion at the Poet Ethanol Plant in Shell Rock. Upon arrival, responders reported no visible flames. Officials say crews spoke with employees and determined everyone was accounted for and no injuries were reported. First responders were on the scene for approximately one and a half hours. Butler County Emergency Management says the unconfirmed cause was a combustible dust explosion, but an investigation into the cause will be conducted. The plant is currently operational at this time.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Fifteen minutes before 5 a.m. Sunday, the Cedar Rapids Fire Department received a report of a fire located in the 500 block of M Avenue Northwest. The department found the fire by investigating the building from the outside. After the fire was extinguished, officials searched the building and gave the all clear. No one was at home when the fire occurred. The fire is under investigation.
KEOKUK COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – One person is dead after a crash in Keokuk County on Saturday. The crash happened on the 31500 Block of 323rd Ave just after 12:30 p.m., when officials say a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north crossed the center line and hit a 2019 Ford Explorer traveling south head on. The Silverado came to rest in the west ditch while the Explorer came to rest on the east shoulder. A passenger, 82-year-old Frank Patterson of West Chester, was taken to Keokuk County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials say both drivers were injured in the crash and were transported to University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) -A cantaloupe recall is in effect after dozens of people fell sick across 32 states, including five people in Iowa and four people in Nebraska. Contaminated cantaloupes and cut fruit that may be tainted with salmonella were sold between Oct. 16 and Nov. 10. The recall includes whole cantaloupes and pre-cut chunks, cubes, melon medleys and fruit medleys from Malichita, Vinyard, and Aldi brands. Investigators are trying to find any other cantaloupe products that could have been contaminated. Salmonella cases have now been reported in 32 states in connection with this outbreak, and 45 people have been hospitalized, according to CNN. The two deaths were reported by health authorities in Minnesota, the CDC said. Most who are infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps.
