Explosion at Onida ethanol plan ruled accident
KWAT
November 17, 2023
ONIDA, S.D.–State officials released more details about the cause of an explosion at the Ringneck Energy ethanol plant in Onida.
A report from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety revealed the July incident had been deemed accidental, but investigators said human involvement appeared to be a factor.
The report also highlighted two separate explosions in different areas of the facility that were caused when high-proof ethanol vapors escaped a slurry tank and ignited during a restart process from shutting down operations.
The ignition source at both locations remains undetermined.
