Investigative document details cause of July ethanol explosion

Ethanol plant blew up in July

The Ringneck Energy Plant in Onida after a major explosion. (Submitted)

A massive explosion at the Ringneck Energy Plant in Onida was actually two explosions triggered by an attempt to restart machinery within the facility. 

That’s according to an internal investigation document obtained by The Dakota Scout Wednesday, which shows that investigative officials with the state’s Department of Public Safety believe that two distinct events within the plant contributed to the explosion that shook Sully County in July.

“One event occurred in the Southwest area of the structure,” wrote Deputy State Fire Marshal Michael Jones in his report. “This area is where the corn slurry tank is located. A second event occurred in the southeast area of the structure. This area is an upper-level mezzanine that has a large HVAC system in it.” 

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