On Monday, February 16, 2026, at approximately 4:02 PM local time, an explosion occurred in a grain storage silo at the Little Sioux Corn Processors facility (Iowa, USA). No serious injuries were reported.
What is known about the incident
Reports of the explosion began coming in at around 4:30 PM — dispatchers received several calls stating that two explosions had been heard at the site. When journalists contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office shortly after 4:35 PM, the dispatcher confirmed that the incident involved a grain storage silo explosion near Marcus and that the situation had not yet been resolved at that time.
Later, the Cherokee County Emergency Management agency confirmed that the explosion occurred at Little Sioux Corn Processors. In one of its statements, the agency emphasized that all personnel and contractors were safe and that the situation was under control; it also noted the absence of serious injuries and major damage.
According to a fire department representative at the scene, the incident appeared to be a dust explosion. Marcus Assistant Fire Chief Matt Dreckman reported that upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke coming from a grain conveyor. After access to the equipment was secured and the system was cooled, no open flames were observed. Fire officials assessed the incident as relatively minor; however, the dust collection (aspiration) system was damaged as a result.
Company statement
The company stated that the root cause is currently unknown and that the investigation is ongoing. All equipment in the explosion area has been shut down until the investigation is completed. Ethanol production has not been affected and continues to operate.
About the facility
Little Sioux Corn Processors was founded in early 2003. The company processes corn into animal feed and high-quality ethanol, producing approximately 170 million gallons per year.