Forklift Operator Injured in Propane Tank Explosion at Former OPS Building

A propane tank explosion at a former industrial building owned by the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) on Monday resulted in severe injuries to a forklift operator, which is a worrying incident.

After the explosion happened at the former U.S. Mills Inc. complex at 4301 N. 30th St. just before noon, the burned OPS employee was immediately taken to the Nebraska Medical Center.

At 11:59 a.m., the Omaha Fire Department received an automated fire detection alert, which later changed to an explosion as emergency personnel were en route.

The garage doors had been blown out, and the propane bottle was on fire when firefighters arrived at the scene at 12:03 p.m.

According to Assistant Fire Marshal Joseph Caniglia, the explosion occurred due to the forklift operator accidentally puncturing a propane bottle.

The injured person received aid from firefighters immediately, who also quickly put out the propane fire and took the bottle out of the structure. Fortunately, no one else was hurt in the incident; the injured man’s identity has been withheld.

OPS spokeswoman Bridget Blevins assured that the district has contacted the injured employee’s family, saying, “We care deeply about our staff and will continue to provide support as needed.”

Three large metal garage doors were destroyed, and four others had significant deformation due to the explosion’s extensive damage.

The building, formerly a factory for breakfast cereal, is owned by OPS, but Blevins emphasized that it is no longer used as a school. In its place, it functions as a warehouse for supplies like furniture, equipment, and curriculum materials.

According to Douglas County records, OPS paid $950,000 for the U.S. Mills building in 2000. Early in the new millennium, the district renovated the building to accommodate temporary school spaces, providing educational facilities for Rose Hill, Miller Park, and Castelar students. In contrast, their primary buildings underwent renovation or replacement.

Propane Safety Pro offers thorough training and consulting services at propanesafetypro.com for propane companies needing safety training or consulting.