Explosion at Kentucky distillery critically injures workers
An explosion at a Kentucky whiskey distillery has completely destroyed the property and left two employees with “serious” injuries.
Silver Trail Distillery in Hardin County, Kentucky has been destroyed by fireA “massive equipment failure” at Silver Trail Distillery in Hardin County, Kentucky on Friday saw the distillery burst into flames, although the exact cause of the disaster has not yet been identified.
Two distillery workers – second distillery Jay Rogers and assistant Kyle Rogers – were caught in the blast, and are currently in a critical condition at Vanderbilt Hospital.
A statement posted on the distillery’s Facebook page said: “Around mid-morning on Friday, April 24, Silver Trail Distillery experienced what appears to be a massive equipment failure which resulted in the distillery burning to the ground.
“Second Distiller Jay Rogers & his Assistant Kyle Rogers suffered serious injuries & are now being cared for at Vanderbilt Hospital. We will have more information available as the investigation continues.
“In the meantime we ask for everyone to please pray for Jay & Kyle & also for Master Distiller Spencer because his anguish & sorrow has not yet found its depth. For immediate inquiries please contact Eric Gregory with the Kentucky Distillers Association. There has also been an account set up for Jay & Kyle at CFSB for anyone who would like to help them. Please continue to pray for our whole Silver Trail family!”
The Silver Trail Distillery was opened in 2011 by former moto-cross racer Spencer Balentine, and as well as securing several blind tasting awards for its moonshine, has also been featured in the Discovery Channel show Moonshiners.
It was made an official member of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s (KDA) Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour in 2012.
The KDA is working to secure a support fund for Jay and Kyle Rogers, while there has been an outpouring of support for the pair and the distillery.
Balentine added in a post on Facebook: “Dear Friends, In my darkest hours of the last two days from all over the country, you have lifted my spirit and humbled me with your outpouring of love and caring for Jay and Kyle. From the bottom of my heart – Thank You.”
