FREMONT, Neb. — A massive explosion at a Nebraska manufacturing facility has left three people unaccounted for as rescue crews work to locate them inside the remains of a partially collapsed building in Fremont.

The blast shook the eastern Nebraska city just before noon Tuesday, ripping through the warehouse-style structure of Horizon Biofuels Inc., where wood pellets for fuel and pet bedding are produced.

Fremont Fire Chief Todd Bernt told reporters late Tuesday that the search has been challenging due to the twisted steel frame and metal walls that crumpled in the explosion.

"We are unable to gain access early on," Bernt said. "We tried to get access, but just due to the collapse with the mangled steel, we're unable to get inside."

He added that a specialized search-and-rescue task force from Lincoln is on site and ready to “tunnel through the debris if necessary” to reach the three people believed to be inside. The chief did not confirm whether they were employees.

Plant Details & Impact

The facility, operated by Horizon Biofuels, manufactures wood pellets for heating fuel and produces animal bedding under the Elkhorn Valley Animal Bedding brand, according to local affiliate WOWT Omaha.

Footage from the scene showed emergency crews surrounding the smoldering site as thick smoke drifted over the southern edge of Fremont. Officials warned the fire could continue burning for days as crews work cautiously amid unstable debris.

Safety & Response

Despite the size of the explosion, city officials reassured residents that Fremont’s drinking water supply is safe and that air quality is not hazardous — though people downwind should avoid breathing the smoke when possible.

The Nebraska State Patrol responded quickly and urged the public to steer clear of the area while crews work.

The cause of the blast is under investigation. Environmental officials from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment have not yet commented on any potential contamination or safety risks.

Gov. Jim Pillen offered support for the impacted community, posting:

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

A spokesperson for Horizon Biofuels has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Next Steps

The incident has rattled the tight-knit Fremont community, with families anxiously awaiting updates on the missing. As the rescue operation continues, structural engineers are working alongside firefighters to determine the safest path forward.

Federal investigators and local agencies will assess what caused the blast, whether it was equipment failure, a materials issue, or other factors. For now, responders stress that safety and recovery remain the top priorities.

Originally reported by Dennis Romero in NBC News.