Clinton City Administrator Matt Brooke and Fire Chief Mike Brown met with the media in a press conference with details on the Saturday morning explosion at ADM that took the life of Lt. Eric Hosette and injuring Adam Cain. To listen to the press conference, click the player below.
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At approximately 5:45 a.m. Saturday, ADM employees discovered smoldering material in one of the silo storage bins at the loading facility in Clinton. ADM immediately contacted the Clinton Fire Department for assistance. While firefighters were on the scene, a couple hours after the initial call, an explosion occurred in the silo killing 1 firefighter and injuring another.
During a press conference in Clinton, Iowa, Fire Chief Mike Brown identified the fallen firefighter as Lt. Eric Hosette. Chief Brown says Hosette was 33 years old, with a wife and young daughter. Hosette was taken to Mercy Medical where medical crews worked to revive him but they were unsuccessful.
Chief Brown also spoke about the injured firefighter, identifying him as FF Adam Cain. Chief Brown says Cain was first missing after the explosion. Once found, he was flown to Iowa City where he is now in critical, but stable condition.
At this time, Chief Brown says the Clinton firefighters are at home with their families as firefighters from outside agencies have offered to cover their shifts.
Visibly emotional, Chief Brown says, “Healing will take a long time.”
Clinton City Administer Matt Brooke says ADM is working closely with the city to investigate what caused the explosion. He says the investigation will be ongoing.
At this time, a memorial service has not been set.
