Monday night saw a devastating explosion occur at Southfork Dairy Farm in Dimmitt, Texas, leaving severe damage and injury in its wake.
At around 7:30 p.m., the 18,000 cows were preparing for milking in a nearby area, when the blast occurred, resulting in one person being severely injured and nearly all of the cows killed.
The loud noise was heard from a distance, prompting a flurry of calls from the general public. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, where a single individual had become trapped in the milking building. This person was quickly airlifted to UMC Hospital in Lubbock, 80 miles away, for urgent medical attention.
Fortunately, all other farm workers were safe, bringing relief to the entire Dimmitt community, who gathered in solidarity to send their best wishes to the injured person.
At the present time, the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office is carrying out an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Suggestions point to a malfunctioning honey badger, a machine used to remove manure and water, which may have triggered a spark that set off the methane, propane, and natural gas pockets within the dairy, causing the explosion and subsequent fire.
This tragic event will not be forgotten by the people of Dimmitt, Texas, or indeed, the nation, and will certainly be remembered as a dark moment in Southfork Dairy Farm’s history. The investigation is ongoing and the results are eagerly anticipated.