COFIELD — Search and recovery operations remain ongoing at the Perdue feed mill facility on Perdue Road following a Saturday morning explosion and collapse that left one worker unaccounted for and three others injured.
According to Hertford County officials, at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Feb. 21, Hertford County 911 received reports of an explosion and fire at the facility in the 200 block of Perdue Road. Fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel from Hertford County and surrounding jurisdictions were immediately dispatched.
Upon arrival, crews found an active fire and evidence of an explosion. Officials later confirmed that an eight-story grain tower had collapsed.
Please keep these folks in your prayers — Four individuals were on-site at the time of the incident. Based on information from responding emergency personnel:
• One individual was transported with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
• One individual was transported by air to a regional medical facility with serious injuries.
• One individual was evaluated and treated at the scene and did not require transport.
• One individual remains unaccounted for.
All next-of-kin notifications have been completed. Out of respect for the families involved, no names are being released at this time.
Search and recovery operations remain ongoing, and officials stressed that the effort is complex and dangerous.
“This is not a routine recovery operation,” Hertford County Public Information Officer Christian Davies said in a press release issued Sunday. “The structural integrity of the building has been severely compromised, and deteriorating weather conditions have created additional hazards.”
Specialized equipment has been requested to help stabilize portions of the structure so responders can safely continue operations.
“The safety of first responders remains a top priority,” Davies said. “Crews are operating in a deliberate and methodical manner to prevent additional risk within an unstable environment.”
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Officials said additional updates will be provided as confirmed information becomes available.
Story’s photos come from Hertford County Government.
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