This article was written by Jacob Scholl of the Idaho Statesman.
Five people were injured after an explosion Monday morning at a sugar-beet plant in Nampa, the company said.
The explosion was reported at the Amalgamated Sugar processing plant on Karcher Road at about 7:45 a.m., said Jessica Anderson, a spokesperson for the company.
In an email, Anderson said the injuries to the five do not appear to be life-threatening. Four of those injured were treated with “minor first aid” and have returned to work, she said. One person was sent to a hospital for further examination.
Anderson said the explosion took place in the beet-pulp steam dryer. Employees were wearing fire-protection gear at the time, she said.
Anderson said the company’s safety unit is investigating the explosion. “I’m certain that OSHA will conduct an investigation as well,” she said. OSHA is the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Damage to the plant was minimal, she said.
