Grain Elevator Explosion Rocks Champaign Co. Village

An explosion at a local grain elevator rocked the town of Thackery in Champaign County.

The explosion happened on Route 55 around 8:30 a.m. Monday in the village that is located 16 miles northwest of Springfield.

At this time, firefighters remain at the scene and Route 55 is closed.

Investigators said the explosion blew the top off a string of grain elevators that were sitting next to each other. They said no one was seriously injured.

Authorities said the explosion could be heard for miles and rattled surrounding neighborhoods.

Emergency crews called in a helicopter from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to take a closer look at the damage from the air.

Route 55 will remain closed until further notice. A local detour has been set up.