An ammonia tank explosion around 2:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Three Rivers FS location in Manchester, Iowa, was caused by excessive heat, according to the Telegraph Herald, citing Manchester City Manager Tim Vick. The explosion caused at least one other tank to tip over and leak, according to local reports. Early reports stated that two tanks tipped over.
While no injuries were initially reported, six people were eventually treated at Manchester’s hospital and one was admitted, according to Radio Iowa citing Delaware County Emergency Management. Nearby residents were asked to shelter in place for about an hour while the threat was being assessed.
Much of Iowa was under an excessive heat warning during the week. Several daily temperature records were set, including 100 degrees in Des Moines on Aug. 23, 101 in Sioux City on Aug. 22, and 98 in Waterloo on Aug. 22.
Founded in 1930, Three Rivers FS is based in Dyersville and has nine locations in northeast Iowa. The cooperative had not responded to inquiries at press time.