Demolition of the Didion corn mill in Cambria started Monday, a little over a month after an explosion there killed five employees and injured nearly a dozen more.
The demolition started around 10 a.m. The demolition will be in phases, starting with the area brought down Monday where production took place, according to Didion workers. That part of the plant was not structurally safe.
The president of Didion Milling said they want to start the rebuilding process from a clean slate, but there's also a bigger meaning behind it all.
Didion executives and employees said the old building is a reminder of the tragedy, and they are hoping the new building will help everyone move forward.
"Let's bring it down, let's start the future. let's start on that," said Riley Didion, Didion President. "There's been things we've been working on, even prior to this, that folks are excited about the future, and we've already been transparent rebuilding."
All the workers injured in the explosion are out of the hospital and doing well, Didion said. The company is working to get them back to work soon.
There is no set date for when demolition will end, but company reps said they hope to have it done by the end of the week.
A benefit supporting those affected by the explosion was held Monday night. Proceds from the buffet, raffle and silent auction will go to the Old Mill Foundation Didion Benefit Fund.
If you would like to help victims, you can send donations here:
Old Mill Foundation Didion Benefit Fund
c/o National Exchange Bank
118 West Edgewater St.
P.O. Box 338
Cambria, Wisconsin 53923
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