DAWN, Texas – Officials have identified the woman who tragically lost her life in a deadly explosion at Panhandle Milling in Dawn early Wednesday morning. According to the Deaf Smith County Justice of the Peace, the victim has been confirmed as 36-year-old Melissa Mungia.
Mungia’s body was discovered in the debris following the powerful blast that rocked the facility around 3:30 a.m. Emergency crews from across the region responded to the scene, where they found one of the buildings partially collapsed due to the explosion.
The current conditions of other victims injured in the explosion remain unknown, and their identities have not yet been released.
Upon initial response, the Hereford Fire Department and Hereford EMS were first on the scene. As the situation unfolded, additional resources were quickly called in, including the Hereford Police Department, Deaf Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Dawn Fire Department, Dimmitt EMS, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), BSA Health System, AMR, and the Amarillo Fire Department (AFD).
At approximately 4:00 a.m., the Amarillo Fire Department dispatched a rescue team, including their Urban Search and Rescue trailer and a command chief, to assist in the efforts.
Dawn, a small unincorporated community located southwest of Amarillo along U.S. Highway 60 between Hereford and Canyon, is now reeling from the devastating incident.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, and officials have not yet released further details on what may have triggered the deadly blast. Authorities continue to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the remaining structures at the milling facility.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Melissa Mungia, a life tragically cut short. Thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and with those injured as they begin the road to recovery.
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