ROSENDALE, WI (AP) -- An explosion and fire at a cheese plant in Fond du Lac County sent one person to the hospital.
The sheriff's office says Travis Klotzbach, 36, of Brandon was using a cutting torch on an "empty" 55-gallon barrel in the auto shop at Knaus Cheese on County Highway C, when the explosion happened just after 7 a.m. Friday.
Klotzbach was taken to a hospital in Neenah with burns and broken bones, where he was reported in stable condition.
The fire was contained to the auto shop portion of the cheese plant, and fire officials said the damage was not extensive.
Most likely the "empty" drum was not empty and it contained flammable vapors; the vapors then were ignited by the blow torch, injuring the worker.
Press Release
November 17, 2017
A small explosion and fire occurred in a maintenance shop at Knaus Cheese Inc. located at N5722 County Road C in Rosendale at approximately 7 a.m. on November 17, 2017.
One employee sustained non-life threatening injuries.
That employee was flown to a UW hospital
We respect our employee’s privacy and any health updates will be provided by the family.
Our prayers are with the employee and his family during his recovery.
The fire was quickly contained and there was minimal smoke damage.
Production shall resume in full capacity within the next 24 hours.
The Knaus family would like to thank all the First Responders who assisted the company during this emergency situation.
Please keep our employee in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you
Knaus Family
P.S. Do not forget to cut the cheese