Garner, N.C.-The cause of the explosion last week hasn’t been determined at ConAgra Foods Inc.’s Slim Jim plant here, where three employees were killed and nearly 40 others transported for medical attention. “There are three confirmed fatalities, and all three were employees at the plant where 300 were at work at the time,” Garner police department spokesman Sgt. Chris Clayton told Green Markets. “Twenty others were transported at first as emergency patients, and there were an additional 18 transported after other employees were screened.” Clayton said he could not confirm that ammonia, which is used for plant refrigeration, was involved in the incident, although three firefighters were transported for ammonia exposure. They were treated and released at a local hospital. There were also reports that firefighters were trying to contain a small fire and an ammonia leak several hours after the explosion. “The fire marshal’s office is the lead agency for the investigation, which has not yet begun in earnest,” Clayton explained. “The concentration right now is still on search and rescue, which is presently winding down. Once that is complete, it will be turned over to the fire marshal’s office in conjunction with the ATF.” He said ATF’s involvement is normal procedure. There was no word from the ConAgra Foods headquarters about the possible cause. A brief statement was issued from CEO Gary Rodkin expressing his sadness about the events and a promise to provide “all the support they need” for the victims and families. The company said it was setting up a fund for contributions from ConAgra Foods employees and the local community, and that employee assistance counselors would be provided for employees and their families.
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