Explosion at Georgia food factory kills at least 1 person

On December 27, 2024By Littum

CAMILLA, Ga. (WALB) – At least one person is presumed dead after an overnight explosion sent a Tyson Foods factory up in flames, authorities say.

Mitchell County Coroner Jamey Thompson says a woman is presumed dead after the explosion at 7220 US 19 in Camilla.

He said crews were unable to access her as there was debris and damage in the way.

“We have visual confirmation of her, but in terms of having access to her, we don’t,” he said.

Others were also injured in the blast. Right now, the number of injured is unknown.

Thompson says from what he can tell there was an explosion and the woman was reportedly at the scene when the explosion happened.

Camilla Fire Chief Jamie Sullivan said at 02.50 that the flames had been extinguished and crews were still on the scene to ensure that the fire does not reignite.

He said crews were involved in a long-term recovery process due to part of the building collapsing.

Thompson said more updates would be provided later Friday morning.

“I know this is a big industry for Mitchell County. It was kind of like one part of the plant that was damaged,” he said. “I know it’s a terrible tragedy for the victims that were burned , and also for the victim who died. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.” This is not the first fatal incident at a Georgia food plant in recent years.

In January 2021, a liquid nitrogen leak killed six workers at a chicken processing plant in Gainesville.