A fire and possible explosion have been reported at the Quaker Oats factory in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Videos circulating on social media show large plumes of smoke rising from the area. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
The City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, also issued a statement confirming that fire crews were responding to a reported structure fire at the Quaker Oats facility. This is the Quaker Oats building. Cedar Rapids Fire Department personnel located what appears to be evidence of an explosion and subsequent fire. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley also addressed the incident, expressing concern for those at the facility and the emergency personnel responding.
“At approximately 4:45 p.m., Cedar Rapids Police and Fire were dispatched by Joint Communications Agency personnel to an explosion in the 400 block of 2nd Street Southeast.
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department said emergency crews were dispatched following reports of an explosion at the facility.
