A piece of equipment malfunctioned at the Roquette Keokuk plant during the afternoon on Thursday, December 18th, creating flames and smoke but resulting in no injuries, according to company officials.
The malfunction occurred in the feed house of the plant. According to James P. Bozikis, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Roquette Americas, the equipment malfunction created some flames and smoke, prompting a call to the Keokuk Fire Department.
“No one was injured in the incident,” Bozikis stated in a company statement.
The Keokuk Fire Department responded to the call from Roquette. Upon arrival, firefighters found there was no active fire to extinguish.
“There was no fire to put out. They helped us ensure the area was cordoned off and that everyone was safe and accounted for,” Bozikis said.
One contract worker who was in the area when the equipment malfunctioned was examined on the scene by paramedics but received no further treatment.
As Roquette investigates the cause of the malfunction, the company has taken precautionary measures.
“As we investigate the cause of the malfunction, the equipment is not being used and employees will not be allowed in the area,” Bozikis said. “Safety is our top priority at Roquette. We are grateful for the swift response from the fire department and thankful that no one was injured in the incident.”
The company has not provided a timeline for when the equipment will return to service or when the investigation into the malfunction will be completed.
