A female worker was trapped inside when the explosion hit. Firefighters managed to rescue her. Almost none of the cattle in the building made it out.
The Explosion
An explosion and fire struck Southfork Dairy Farms in Castro County, Texas, on a Monday, trapping a female worker inside a building. Firefighters were able to rescue her, and she was flown to UMC Hospital in Lubbock in critical condition.
The Toll
According to the Castro County Sheriff's Office, the cattle were in a holding area awaiting milking when the explosion and fire occurred. Very few animals in that area survived. Officials estimated roughly 18,000 cattle were killed, which the Animal Welfare Institute described as the deadliest barn fire for cattle in Texas history.
The Cause
The cause of the explosion remained under investigation, though Castro County Sheriff Salvador Rivera said it was possible that farm machinery ignited a buildup of methane gas.
FAQ
Was anyone killed in the explosion?
One worker was critically injured; no human deaths were reported in the available information.
How many cattle died?
An estimated 18,000, described as the deadliest cattle barn fire in Texas history.
What caused the explosion?
The cause remained under investigation, with methane gas buildup ignited by farm machinery considered a possible factor.