Explosion and fire reported at Quaker Oats factory in Iowa

An explosion followed by a fire was reported at the Quaker Oats factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday evening, prompting a large emergency response. The cause and extent of the damage were not yet known, and officials had not confirmed whether anyone was injured.

Police and fire crews were dispatched at 4.45pm local time after finding what they described as evidence of an explosion and subsequent fire. About 45 minutes later, authorities said all plant workers had been accounted for. Quaker Oats owner PepsiCo said first responders were working to control the fire and that its cause would be investigated.