Thousands of cows die in Texas dairy farm fire

(Trends Wide) — An explosion and fire this week at a dairy farm near Dimmitt, Texas, killed thousands of cattle and injured one person, according to Castro County authorities.

About 19,000 head of cattle were at the South Fork dairy farm when the explosion occurred Monday, Castro County Sheriff Salvador Rivera told Trends Wide in an email.

“The number of cattle killed in the explosion and fire are not yet clear,” he said.

The Castro County Sheriff’s office responded to an explosion and fire at the South Fork Dairy, which is about 17 kilometers southeast of Dimmitt, the office said in a Facebook post Tuesday.

“Upon arrival it was determined that a person was trapped inside and fire crews were able to locate the person and remove them from the building. The person was airlifted to UMC Lubbock Hospital. All employees were located.” the sheriff’s office said.

The injured person was still in the hospital’s intensive care unit, Rivera said.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

“This is a devastating loss that will shock many,” Castro County Judge Mandy Gfeller told Trends Wide in an emailed statement.

“I am very grateful for our first responders, as well as neighboring counties who sent aid to Castro County,” the statement said. “I commend your quick response and quick thinking to help save lives. Although the loss of so many animals and property is devastating, I am so grateful that there was no loss of life. I pray for the restoration of South Fork Dairy.”