4 injured in grain elevator explosion

LA CROSSE, Ind. (WISH) – The La Crosse Fire Department reported that four people were injured when a grain elevator exploded on Thursday.

Fire crews responded to the scene shortly before 10 a.m. to the Co-Alliance LaCrosse Feed Mill.

Two employees were taken from the scene by medical helicopter and  two others were taken by ambulance. They were all listed in stable condition with multiple burns from the explosion at Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparasio, Ind.

The victims were identified as 19-year-old Jonah Pacione, 43-year-old Emilio Galicia, 34-year-old Craig Chase and 26-year-old Chris Fort.

The company released a statement after the incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the employees who were injured today. We have notified their families and provided them the location of the medical facilities where their loved ones were taken for treatment. Co-Alliance personnel will be on-site at the hospitals to provide support and assistance to the employees and their families,” said Co-Alliance CEO Kevin A. Still. “We do not yet know the cause of the accident, but will work with the authorities in their investigation.”

The cause of the explosion was unknown Thursday afternoon.