Big Sky Times

The Glasgow Stockyards were rocked by an explosion on April 6.

While workers branded heifers, a fire broke out in a propane tank the workers were using, which led to the facility they were in filling with gas and eventually exploding, according to a KPAX report.

Due to smoke inhalation, Jake Newton was transported by Mercy Flight helicopter to Benefits Health System in Great Falls, Montana. As of April 11, he was still being treated in the intensive care unit.

Cody Cornwell, the owner of the business, claimed while the workers were branding and bangs vaccinating heifers following a sale, the propane bottle they were using to brand with and keep tattoo ink warm caught fire, according to the Western AG Network.

While they tried to extinguish the fire, they soon discovered the building was full of gas, which ultimately caused the building to explode, Cornwell said.

Cornwell also said everyone was safe outside the building when it blew. Newton suffered from smoke inhalation following the explosion as he was moving cattle away from the structure that was on fire.

As of April 8, Newton was in stable condition, according to the Western AG Network.

Cornwell expressed his gratitude to the Valley County Sheriff's Department, the Long Run Fire Department, and the ambulance crew for their quick response.

He said his team is fortunate to have trained professionals like these men and women in rural areas like Glasgow, “where the passage of time can literally mean the difference between life and death.”

He also said the accident can serve as a lesson for everyone who lives in rural areas and encouraged people to always consider safety.