Midwest biofuels plant explosion, building collapse leaves 3 dead, including 2 children

At least three people are dead, including two children, after a dramatic explosion Tuesday afternoon at a Nebraska biofuels plant.

The blast at Horizon Biofuels, which was captured on nearby security cameras, showed the brick building bursting into flames. Black smoke was later seen billowing from the building.

As of Wednesday morning, the fire is still active, and crews were unable to enter.

Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg said during a news conference the explosion happened just before noon Tuesday, and responding firefighters noticed the building collapsed.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said his office offered help to the city located roughly 30 miles northwest of Omaha.

“We will continue to closely monitor the explosion in Fremont in coordination with local responders, law enforcement, and state partners,” Pillen wrote in an X post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved—and we’re ready to help any way we can.”

Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., also posted to X, noting he is in contact with local officials.

“My team will be working to support their response to the explosion at Horizon Biofuels,” Flood wrote. “Our prayers are with the people of the City of Fremont, Dodge County, and the first responders on the scene.”

The Nebraska State Patrol did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.