Six bodies have been discovered on a dairy in Colorado plains, in a tragedy currently being described as ‘an accident.’
Rescue crews entered a confined space at the dairy Wednesday and recovered the bodies, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said.
Weld County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Melissa Chesmore said her agency also responded Wednesday to an emergency at the dairy.
‘We didn’t find anything criminal in nature,’ she said. ‘It looks like an accident.’
She didn’t elaborate on the nature of the emergency or say where exactly the bodies were found, referring questions to state occupational safety regulators.
According to CBS News, the Weld County Coroner’s Office said a preliminary investigation suggests the six victims were exposed to gas from Prospect Valley Dairy.
While the names of the victims have not yet been released, it is understood they were primarily adult men. One of the victims may have been 17 years old, The Independent reported.
Dairy Farmers of America confirmed on Thursday the incident took place at one of its member farms.
‘We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased,’ the organization said in a statement.
‘At this early stage, we have no further details.’
The local Keenesburg Police Department said it was not among the responding agencies.
The dairy is located along a rural road near Keenesburg, about 35 miles northeast of Denver.
This is a developing story. More to come.
