Two die in Minnesota hog barn fire

May 12, 2015

1 Min Read
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Two people died Monday in a hog barn fire in the southwest corner of Minnesota.

Sharla Drew, 50, and Kristy (VanSurksum) Giesler, 32, both of Jasper, Minn., in Rock County died in the blaze, according to Rock County authorities. Drew, an employee of New Horizon Farms, and Giesler, a presser-washing contractor were working inside the nursery barn. At least two other employees where at the site, but were not harmed in the fire.

Four nursery barns are located on the site, and are owned by New Horizon Farms of Pipestone, Minn. Only one barn, the western-most facility, was destroyed in the fire. The 41- by 228-foot barn, which holds 2,500 pigs, was empty of livestock.

“We are all just numb at the loss,” said Bob Taubert, managing partner of NHF in a press release. “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of these wonderful people. … Buildings and livestock can be replaced but human life is irreplaceable.”

Monday’s fatal event is currently being investigated by the state fire marshal.

Full story can be read here

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