Steven Koeser of the St. Anna Fire Department identified as firefighter killed in Wisconsin dumpster explosion. Metal by-products apparently reacted to water. Photos from scene.

Dec 30, 2009

0 1 minute read

Photos by Sharon Cekada/Gannett Wisconsin Media/Post-Crescent

Click here for our earlier coverage including video from the scene & morning press conference

Latest from this afternoon’s press conference from postcrescent.com

UPDATE – From this afternoon’s press conference: At this point investigators believe metal by-products from the foundry at Bremer Manufacturing were in the dumpster. Officials believe they reacted with water and exploded. The specific metals have not been identified.

The dead firefighter is identified as 33-year-old Steven Koeser who died of blunt force trauma. He was a 15-year member of the St. Anna Fire Department. He had a long term girlfriend and they have a four-year-old daughter.

Koeser has relatives who work at Bremer.

The St. Anna Fire Department has about 25 members. Nine were injured last night. All except one have been released from the hospital. That firefighter is in stable condition. Their equipment was damaged. Neighboring fire companies are filling in during this difficult time.

Here is a list of the injured from WBAY-TV–

Brad Woelfel, 28, who remains hospitalized in fair condition

Michael Fromm, 27

Jeffery Fliss, 31

Matthew Winkel, 28

Joshua Mertens, 31

Kurt Kelling, 30

Chase Fritsch, 17

Joshua Tyler Scott, 15