Gas poisoning suspected as six found dead in dairy

Six people have died at a dairy on the US’s Colorado plains from an apparent accident involving exposure to gas, authorities say.

The dead were all male and Hispanic, said Jolene Weiner, chief deputy coroner for Weld County. Their identities were being withheld pending notification of the families.

“We are investigating these deaths as the possible consequence of gas exposure in a confined space,” Weiner said on Thursday (local time).

Autopsies are planned and investigators are looking into what kind of gases may have played a role in the deaths.

The dairy, Prospect Valley Dairy, is on a rural road near Keenesburg, about 55 kilometres north-east of Denver.

Crews entered a confined space at the dairy on Wednesday and recovered the bodies, the Southeast Weld Fire Protection District said.

Weld County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Melissa Chesmore said her agency found nothing criminal in nature.

“It looks like an accident,” she said. She didn’t elaborate on the nature of the emergency or say where exactly the bodies were found, referring questions to occupational safety regulators.

Chauntra Rideaux, a US Department of Labor spokesperson, said in an email that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was investigating and that more information would be available after it’s complete.

Dairy Farmers of America said there had been a “tragic accident” at a member farm in Keenesburg that led to the deaths of six people.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and most sincere condolences go out to the friends and families of the deceased. At this early stage, we have no further details,” the cooperative of dairy farmers said.

County tax records said the property was owned by Prospect Valley Dairy LLC and listed a California address for the owners. Phone messages left for a number at that address were not immediately returned.

Keenesburg’s website says it’s a town of 2000 people in a growing area 30 kilometres from Denver International Airport. It says it offers small town living with the convenience of nearby amenities.

Weld County more broadly is a major agricultural producer. Three-quarters of its land is devoted to farming and raising livestock. It is Colorado’s leading dairy producer and the state’s biggest source of beef cattle, grain and sugar beets.

-AAP