Six workers at a food manufacturing plant in Gainesville, Georgia, located in the southeastern United States, died following a liquid nitrogen leak of unknown cause.
According to a statement from Nicholas Ancrum, Vice President of Foundation Food Group, the incident occurred around 10 AM (15:00 UTC) when a liquid nitrogen line ruptured inside a plant specialized in poultry products. Ancrum confirmed that 130 other employees at the facility, located in an industrial area southwest of Gainesville, about 80 miles north of Atlanta, were quickly evacuated. Zachary Brackett from the Hall County Fire Department stated during a press conference that five people died at the plant, and a sixth died upon arrival at the hospital. Regional health official Shawn Couch explained that three injured individuals are in critical condition, five have minor injuries, while three others were able to leave the hospital later that same day. He noted that all injured individuals are experiencing respiratory issues. It is worth mentioning that the cause of the chemical leak, which did not result in an explosion, remains unknown. Derek Booth, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, confirmed that investigators were able to enter the site later that afternoon.
