On Monday evening, an explosion of immense proportions shook Southfork Dairy Farm in Dimmitt, Texas, leading to catastrophic losses and severe injury. The incident occurred as the 18,000 cows prepared for milking in a nearby holding area, ending in one individual being severely injured and nearly all of the cows killed.
The massive blast, reported just before 7:30 p.m., was heard from afar, leading to multiple complaints from the local community. Upon arriving at the scene, officials discovered that one person was trapped in the milking building and was subsequently airlifted to UMC Hospital—located in Lubbock, 80 miles away—for urgent treatment.
Fortunately, all other farm employees were found safe, giving hope and solace to the entire Dimmitt community, who gathered to send their thoughts and prayers to the injured individual.
At the moment, investigations from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office are underway to figure out the cause of the fire. Speculations suggest that a malfunctioning honey badger—a machine used to remove manure and water—may have caused a spark that ignited the methane, propane, and natural gas pockets throughout the dairy, leading to the explosion and subsequent fire engulfing the area and its inhabitants.
This tragedy marks a harsh chapter in Southfork Dairy Farm’s storied history and a day that the Dimmitt, Texas, community will not soon forget.
No official conclusion has been drawn to the cause of this incident, though the whole community and nation are eagerly awaiting the results of the current investigation.