Explosion at food plant kills two
10 June 2009
An explosion, fire and roof collapse at the ConAgra Foods plant in Garner, North Carolina on June 9th at 11.30am has resulted in at least 40 people being transported to area hospitals, including three firefighters who needed medical attention after inhaling ammonia gases, which was used to refrigerate meats at the plant. The blast killed two workers, and critically burned four people, covering between 40% and 60% of their bodies in burns.
Explosion at food plant kills two
Burns that covers more than 50% of the body surface area is a very major burn and can be complex to take care of and can result in major complications, including death
The explosion caused the roof to collapse on one side of the building, blew debris about the area, and knocked down an exterior wall, smashing cars parked next to the 500,00 square-foot building.
The Environmental Protection Agency was on scene to monitor the air but officials said there was no threat to people who live near the plant, which is located between Interstate 40 and a subdivision but mostly surrounded by large buffers of trees.
The plant last was inspected by the North Carolina Department of Labor for workplace safety last July and no violations were found. The plant had violations in previous years, including a fine in 2007 for problems with eye and face protection equipment.
ConAgra will continue to pay its Garner employees indefinitely. The company, which has 25,000 employees worldwide, makes brands like Chef Boyardee, Hunt's tomato sauce, ACT II popcorn and Hebrew National hot dogs.
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