Officials are reporting six people were found dead at Prospect Ranch Dairy near Keenesburg, Colorado.
In Weld County, Colorado, emergency responders were called to a “confined space rescue” on Aug. 21 and made the discovery.
Although officials have not released many details, they are investigating the deaths as a toxic gas exposure accident. It does not appear foul play was involved.
The names of the deceased individuals have not been released yet, but all of the victims were reportedly Hispanic males and one of them was a student at Highland High School. Autopsies are scheduled for the upcoming week. In addition to the six deaths, there have been reports that three other individuals were taken for treatment to UC Health Hospital in Greeley and they have been released.
According to reports, Prospect Valley Dairy was one of two dairies that was involved in a renewable natural gas project in which manure from the dairy cows, was processed in a 1-million-gallon digester tank. The carbon dioxide gas was supposed to be converted into renewable natural gas and transported to California for use as energy.
At this time, it is unknown if this project was connected to the deaths. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted in relation to the accident.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased,” Dairy Farmers of America said in a statement. “At this early stage, we have no further details.”
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
(Stock photo by Mark Stebnicki via Pexels.)
