Local News
33-year-old Patrick Prentice killed while shooting off fireworks in Whittemore
KOSSUTH COUNTY, IOWA — A 33-year-old man has died following a fireworks-related incident in Whittemore, according to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of a fireworks accident shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, first responders found Patrick Prentice unconscious with severe injuries.
Authorities say Prentice was holding a launcher tube while igniting fireworks when the incident occurred.
He was transported to a hospital in Algona, where he was later pronounced dead.
Multiple emergency agencies responded to the scene, including Whittemore EMS, Kossuth County EMS, Air Med 3, the Kossuth County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy is being conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny.
The incident remains under investigation.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.