Triple Tragedy: Father and Two Young Daughters Killed in Nebraska Biofuel Plant Explosion
A Nebraska community is in mourning after a devastating explosion at a Fremont biofuel plant claimed the lives of a father and his two young daughters, who had accompanied him to work for the day.
Dylan Danielson, 32, of Columbus, brought his daughters Hayven, 12, and Fayeah, 8, to the Horizon Biofuels plant on July 29. What was meant to be a routine day quickly turned into horror when a dust fire triggered a powerful explosion, engulfing the facility in flames and causing parts of the structure to collapse.
All three were trapped inside.
**Sisters Fayeah (left) and Hayven Danielson (right) were tragically killed alongside their father when the Fremont biofuel plant exploded**
According to local reports, Dylan had brought the girls with him during his custodial week to spend time with them before a planned doctor’s appointment later that afternoon. The girls waited in the plant’s break room while their father worked nearby.
Shortly before noon, disaster struck. A sudden explosion tore through the facility, filling it with smoke and fire and collapsing key structures, including the tower above the break room.
**Dylan Danielson, 32, had brought his daughters to work with him at Horizon Biofuels on the morning of the explosion**
**Hayven (left), Fayeah (right), and their father Dylan (center) were all found dead in the wreckage more than 24 hours after the blast**
In a chilling moment recounted by Hayven’s stepfather, Robby Baker, Dylan managed to make a final phone call to his wife during the chaos.
“He told her where the girls were and pleaded for someone to get them out,” Robby recalled. “He was pinned. There was fire all around him. His last words were basically a cry to save his daughters.”
**The sudden blast sent smoke and fire through the facility, triggering structural collapse and trapping the Danielsons inside**
**Robby Baker (right, with Hayven center) shared details of Dylan’s final call, describing his plea for help before being overtaken by flames**
First responders arriving at the scene were met with intense fire and unstable conditions, making entry impossible. Nebraska Task Force One was called in, supported by 17 other agencies. Helicopters and drones surveyed the site from above, trying to identify a safe path inside.
While Robby waited outside the smoldering building, he held onto hope.
“I wish I could have told Hayven to hold her sister tight and stay low. I begged for them to be rescued before it was too late.”
**Fire damage made it too dangerous for crews to enter the facility immediately. Search operations continued through the night**
**Despite efforts to extinguish the flames overnight, the building was still ablaze the following morning. Crews had yet to gain full access (pictured: Hayven)**
Eventually, Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg announced the heartbreaking update: the search had shifted from rescue to recovery.
“My heart hurts. This is a tragedy,” he said in a public briefing.
**The girls were waiting in the break room at the time of the explosion. Dylan had planned to take them to an appointment after work**
**Nearly 24 hours later, Dylan’s body was recovered, followed by the heartbreaking discovery of Hayven and Fayeah soon after**
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office completed its initial inspection of the site on Thursday. Meanwhile, OSHA has launched a formal investigation that could take up to six months.
This is not the first time Horizon Biofuels has come under scrutiny. In 2012, the company was fined for five serious OSHA violations, including failure to properly protect workers from chemical exposure. The original $12,000 penalty was later reduced to $6,000 in a settlement.
**The Nebraska Fire Marshal has concluded its initial investigation. OSHA’s separate probe into the deadly blast is ongoing**
In the wake of the tragedy, GoFundMe pages were set up to help the grieving families.
“Hayven was a beautiful, goofy, caring, and bright ray of sunshine who gained her angel wings far too soon,” her tribute reads.
Fayeah’s loved ones described her as full of joy and creativity.
“She lit up every room with her smile. A proud Swiftie, a loving sister, and a spirited artist.”
**Hayven (pictured) was remembered as a joyful, compassionate soul who left a lasting impression on everyone she met**
**Fayeah (pictured) was known for her bubbly personality, love of art, and ability to brighten any room**
Dylan’s aunt, Kathy Harle, said the father of two lived for his daughters.
“He was such a good daddy, he really was.”