Ric Hanson photos

(Update 8:46-p.m.) Atlantic Fire and Rescue and Medivac Ambulance were called to the scene of an explosion at R&B Feeds, Thursday night. The incident at 200 Oak Street was reported at 7:13-p.m. Upon arrival, no smoke or flames were visible, but a garage door was blown-out, the upper structure elevator sheet metal was partially blown-off, and there was more, extensive damaged. The building was not occupied, and no injuries were reported.

Upper center shows damage to part of the elevator building

Garage door bowed-out

Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees told KJAN News an approximately 3-inch diameter gas line in the basement of the building that was connected to a water heater, corroded and began to leak. A furnace in the basement ignited the gas. A combination of the gas, and grain dust created a large, but brief explosion that caused the damage.

Alliant Energy responded and was conducting repairs late Thursday night. Fire crews remained on the scene until around 8:30-p.m.  Atlantic Police and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.