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Twitter Makes Tasteless Jokes About Omaha Blast

by Kate Ward

Just nine months after a blast at a Texas fertilizer plant exploded killed 15 and injured 160, an Omaha, Neb., feed plant exploded, injuring at least 10 people. (Initial reports placed the number at 9 people.) According to reports, up to 12 to 15 workers at the International Nutrition plant could still be trapped in the building, which erupted in flames Monday morning.

Following the explosion, Interim Omaha Fire Chief Bernie Kanger said that conditions inside the plant were "extremely dangerous," and 38 workers were inside the feed plant at the time of the incident. (One of the 10 people injured, according to Kanger, is a firefighter who rushed to the scene.)

Rescue efforts at the plant are currently underway, as is an investigation surrounding what exactly happened on the plant. While first responders attempt to get to those trapped in the building, loved ones are reportedly gathered outside the plant, waiting for good news.

Unlike the Texas blast — which quickly went viral after frightening footage of the explosion was captured on tape — there is little photographic evidence to shed light on what exactly happened at the Omaha plant (and what exactly workers that are still trapped are faced with in the hours ahead). A couple photos, however, showing the top of the plant smoking and displaced have made their way onto the Web:

And, while news of the blast continues to be updated, Twitter can't resist its fair share of tasteless jokes, referencing Peyton Manning's shouting "Omaha!" 44 times prior to a snap during the AFC Championship game.