Fatal explosion occurs at Tyson Foods plant

Union leader says multiple employees suffered burns as a result of the incident in Camilla, Georgia.

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Fire Truck
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One person has been reported as deceased and others as injured following an explosion and fire at the Tyson Foods poultry plant in Camilla, Georgia.

"We are working closely with local authorities to determine the cause of a late-night fire at our Camilla, Georgia, facility that resulted in the death of one person and several injuries," a spokesperson for Tyson Foods said. "We extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends during this difficult time. Right now, we are still gathering the facts, but ensuring the safety of our team members is our top priority, and we are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the fire."

The explosion occurred around 11 p.m. on December 26, according to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the incident apparently caused a wall behind the building that is attached to the plant to collapse.

Mitchell County Coroner Jamey Thompson told the news outlet that one person died from injuries sustained at the facility, although she did not work at the plant. Thompson said she was the wife of a truck driver who hauls products to and from the plant.

The president of a union which represents about 1,600 Tyson workers in Camilla issued a statement concerning the situation.

“Sadly, our members have reported to us that a person was severely injured and may not survive; and several union members were severely burned in a boiler explosion this morning at the Tyson poultry processing facility in Camilla, Georgia,” said Edgar Fields, president of the Southeast Council of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

“We are working with the company, and local emergency authorities to ensure that all the workers impacted are taken care of. The health and safety of workers must be a top priority at poultry plants, and we are working to assist anyone injured last night. RWDSU representatives are on the ground and available to assist. Our members and the community of Camilla depend on this facility operating. It is too early to tell what happened last night but there must be a thorough investigation into this incident, and workers must be able to work safely in the facility. We stand with the workers, our members for over 50 years, at this facility and countless others across the industry who need increased safety at work. No worker should ever have to worry that when they go to work, they may not be able to return home safe and sound.”

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