Widow of Worker Killed in Soybean Plant Explosion Files Lawsuit

By Merylee Robbins

Published on September 02, 2005

Croghan was working in a soybean processing plant just outside of Souix City, Iowa, when a hexane gas leak ignited by an unknown source caused a fiery explosion, killing him and co-worker Kyle Heck. The blast also injured eight other workers -- five of which were listed in critical condition. The injured workers sustained severe burns and internal injuries from inhaling hot gas. Hexane gas is highly flammable and is routinely used to extract vegetable oils from various crops.

Mark Croghan's widow, Carol Croghan has filed a negligence lawsuit in Woodbury County District Court for the wrongful death of her husband. The suit names supervisors at the plant, as well as a list of several equipment manufacturers. The family of Kyle Heck has also filed a suit.

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