Southfork Dairy Farm fire and explosion ruled as accidental

CASTRO COUNTY, Texas (KCBD) - The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled a fire that caused an explosion at Southfork Dairy Farm last week as accidental, according to the Castro County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say the fire was a result of a failure of a piece of equipment used by the dairy on a daily basis. Castro County Sheriff Sal Rivera says investigators determined the fire originated in the northern end of the dairy, specifically pen #3. There was no evidence of foul play.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Castro Co. Dairy Farm explosion leaves one in critical condition, thousands of cattle dead

“The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office and I want to reassure everyone that this was not the result of any type of terroristic attack, or any type of event caused to interrupt the milk supply. This was a tragic accident that unfortunately critically injured one person and caused the death of over 17,000 cattle,” the fire marshal’s office said in a statement released to the Castro County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say there will be a more in-depth investigation on the cause of the equipment failure by experts in the field.

A woman critically injured in the explosion remains at a Lubbock hospital.