Terre Haute Meat Packing Plant

Terre Haute used to be the home of the meat packing plant called Home Packing Co. However, in 1963 a tragic accident occurred at the plant. The building faced the Wabash River. During the early morning hours in January 1963, the building suddenly exploded. It is estimated that 16 people died and 55 others were injured. Rescue workers had to wear masks to avoid getting being exposed to ammonia and methane. The ammonia was released from broken refrigerator lines and the methane was released from ruptured sewer lines. Among those who died was Donald Scott. He was a salesman and the brother of the president of the company. He was found sitting in his chair, buried in bricks. The first floor fell into the basement freezer. Witnesses said bricks flew everywhere and it felt like an earthquake.