Thursday, November 10, 2011

The explosion at an Atchison grain elevator that killed six people and injured two others was accidental.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal said in a news release Thursday afternoon that its investigation to find the cause of the Oct. 13 blast at the Bartlett Grain Elevator in Atchison continues, but that it has been able to determine the cause was accidental. Investigators also say there is no evidence to suggest there was any criminal activity involved with the explosion. The preliminary investigation also indicates the blast originated from the main bin area of the elevator.

Several areas of the elevator remain inaccessible and must be cleared and stabilized before investigators can enter, the fire marshal's office said. It will take several weeks before the cause can be fully determined.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting a separate investigation into the explosion.