Explosion sparks huge fire at Iowa Quaker Oats plant, the world's largest oat mill, but no one is hurt

Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said the blast struck a part of the Cedar Rapids site that handles products and is lightly staffed, calling that 'a blessing'. Every worker was accounted for within about 45 minutes of crews arriving at 4.45pm on Saturday. Firefighters had put out most of the flames by early evening. Owner PepsiCo Foods US says the cause will be investigated.

The plant processes more than 2 million pounds of oats every single day.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said he was 'praying for the safety' of everyone at the scene.

Local man Dan Gardner said: 'Quaker Oats is a staple of this town.'