The explosion sent ammonia fumes into the air, caused a roof to collapse and sent at least 40 workers to the hospital. One worker is still unaccounted for hours after the blast, according to media reports.
The explosion at the plant, which is the only facility that makes Slim Jim meat snacks, occurred about 11am EDT. Local TV station WRAL quoted Garner mayor Ronnie Williams as saying authorities told him workers suffered from exposure to fumes from ammonia and some suffered chemical burns. Four people are critically burned.
The plant employs 900 workers in three shifts, the Charlotte Observer quoted ConAgra spokesman Jeff Mochal as saying, but he didn’t know how many workers were in the plant at the time of the explosion. Other reports said about 300 workers were in the plant.
The cause of the blast is unknown, though ConAgra spokesman Dave Jackson said someone called the plant over the weekend and threatened to start a fire. He added that company officials didn’t believe the threat was connected to the explosion.
Local TV footage showed several holes in the roof of the plant, and seven or eight cars smashed under part of the front of the building, which had been blown outward, according to WRAL. Several nearby roads were closed, and hazardous materials teams were responding to the scene.
Source: MeatingPlace, Philadelphia Enquirer
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024