MARION, S.D. -- The death toll in the fiery explosion of a grain elevator stood at three today after one of the five people hospitalized following the blast died.
Keith Schoenwald died Sunday morning, said a spokesman for the Turner County Sheriff's Department.
Others killed by the blast were Roger Schultz, who was recovered beneath the rubble early Sunday, and Delbert Dick, who was pulled from the debris shortly after the blast Saturday night that shattered the grain elevator, hurling tons of corn and concrete into a nearby office building.
Along with Schoenwald, elevator secretary Loris Becker, Ron Dehoogh, Kurt Engbrecht and Dennis Herlyn were also hospitalized. Dehoogh was later released.
Rescuers worked 3 1/2 hours to free Herlyn, whose leg was pinned under a slab of concrete. The rescuers worked cautiously, however, so loose corn would not dislodge and cover them in an avalanche of grain.
Witnesses said the explosion shot a ball of flame through the top of the elevator shortly after 6 p.m. CST Saturday and ripped through the office building, causing the floor to buckle.
State fire investigators were sent to the scene, although authorities said dust in the elevator may have primed the blast.
Marion is located in southeast South Dakota, about 30 miles from Sioux Falls.
