Fifth plant worker dies from injuries at Didion Mill explosion

Carol Spaeth-Bauer

Wisconsin State Farmer

The flag flying at half mast in front of the rubble left from a May 31 explosion at a corn mill plant at the Didion Milling complex in Cambria has been raised to full staff after the last person injured in the blast was released from the hospital. Five workers died as a result of the explosion.

CAMBRIA - A fifth employee who was working at the Didion Milling plant in Cambria when it exploded last month has died from his injuries.

The company said Carlos 'Charly' Nunez passed away on June 23 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital burn unit in Madison.

"The Didion Milling family and the community send our heartfelt condolences to the family," the company said in a statement. "We ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for the family and for Didion Milling as we build a stronger future together here at Didion."

The blast initially killed Duelle Block, Robert Goodenow and Pawel Tordoff. A week later, Angel Reyes, also succumbed from his injuries.

They were among 16 people who were on the clock on the evening of May 31 when the explosion destroyed much of the facility.

An explosion ripped through a corn mill plant at the Didion Milling complex in Cambria on May 31. Three workers died in the blast. Two other workers died in the hospital from injuries sustained in the explosion. About a dozen workers at the plant were injured. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Reports say one other employee remains at UW Hospital, but his condition was not released, according to Wisconsin Ag Connection.

Community support

In the weeks following the explosion, the community rallied to support the families affected by the blast, holding numerous fundraisers and starting a fund for the families.

Donations to the Old Mill Foundation Didion Benefit Fun, can be sent to National Exchange Ban, 118 West Edgewater St., P.O. Box 338, Cambria, WI, 53923.

Jack’s Tap at 1207 Dunn Street in Portage will have a Meat Raffle at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 8 with all proceeds going to the Didion Benefit Fund.

Feil’s Supper Club, N8743 State Road 73, Randolph, will donate its profits from all meals served from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday, July 10, to benefit families affected by the explosion.

The destruction left after a May 31 explosion at the corn mill plant at the Didion Milling complex greets drivers along Highway 146 by Cambria. Three workers died in the explosion. Two other workers died in the hospital.

A benefit meal and live auction will be held from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, at the Cambria-Friesland School at 410 East Edgewater Street, Cambria.

Don Klug of the Columbus Pick N Save has volunteered to cater a the benefit meal on with the Cambria Kiwanis Club and C-F school district assisting with setup, serving, and cleanup for the two-piece chicken dinner.

Cost is a minimum $5 donation with all proceeds going to the Didion Benefit Fund.

At 6 p.m. the Kiwanis Club will have a live auction with Randy Link of Link’s Auction as the auctioneer.

The destruction left after a May 31 explosion at the corn mill plant at Didion Milling greets drivers heading north on Highway 146 by Cambria. Three workers died in the explosion. Two other workers died in the hospital from injuries sustained in the explosion.

The Kattywampus Quilt Guild is making 16 prayer quilts for the families most affected by the explosion. The group will be quilting on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1 in the Cambria Community Room, 115 West Edgewater St.

Contact Tami Eisenga at 920-960-3652 or Phyllis Fuller at 920-296-9215 if you would like to help.

Additionally, Cambria has Heart t-shirts are available for $20, with all proceeds going to the Didion Benefit Fund. T-shirts can be purchased at the Cambria village office at 111 West Edgewater St., during regular office hours.