The Horizon Biofuels explosion investigation has uncovered key OSHA violations and safety failures that contributed to the incident. In July 2025, we reported on the tragedy at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont (Nebraska, USA), where a wood dust explosion claimed the lives of operator Dylan Danielson and his two daughters — 12-year-old Hayven and 8-year-old Fayeah. Official investigation results have now been released.
What the OSHA investigation found
In February 2026, OSHA issued citations for seven violations, including willful and serious ones. The total fines amounted to $147,542. On February 12, Horizon Biofuels contested all seven violations — the case has been referred to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA found that at the facility:
- Wood grinding equipment, hammer mill, mixer, and bucket elevator were operated without adequate safeguards against ignition sources — overheated bearings, sparks from metal contamination, and belt friction overheating
- Combustible dust accumulation exceeding 3 mm was found throughout all levels of the building — in the basement, on the production floor, in the bin areas, and on the upper level
- Wood grinding and pelletizing equipment was not properly maintained to control dust accumulation
How the events unfolded
Video footage shows a large cloud of dust and smoke emerging from the tower windows, followed seconds later by flames and then a powerful explosion at the upper level, after which several buildings collapsed. Dylan Danielson was trapped inside. His daughters were in the break room. Rescuers were unable to enter the burning building until the next day.
Additional information
- Lauren Baker, mother of 12-year-old Hayven, filed a civil lawsuit in Dodge County against Horizon Biofuels. In addition to compensation for her daughter’s death, she argues that children should not have been allowed on site — the company had no policy prohibiting the presence of minors
- The CSB (U.S. Chemical Safety Board) is also investigating the explosion. In September 2025, the agency stated that preliminary findings suggest the explosion was “completely avoidable”. The final report has not yet been published
- Fires and smoldering of combustible materials continued for more than a month after the explosion
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