While sleeping in their truck cab, the wife of a truck driver was killed in a nocturnal explosion at a Tyson Foods factory.
An explosion happened at the Tyson Foods facility at 7220 US 19 in Camilla, Georgia, on Thursday evening, December 26.
Tyson Foods claims that a boiler within the factory exploded, forcing a portion of the building to collapse onto a semi truck that was parked outside. When the explosion happened, the truck driver’s wife was sleeping inside the sleeper berth. She was crushed in the fall that followed.
When the building burst, the truck driver was inside. He was reportedly talking to police outside the building following the explosion, although it is unclear if he was hurt. The driver reportedly didn’t know if his wife had survived the collision.
By 2:50 a.m. on Friday, December 27th, first responders had managed to put out the fire, but until heavy equipment arrived to help clear the debris, efforts to recover the body were put on hold.
According to Mitchell County Coroner Jamey Thompson, who verified that the woman passed away prior to her body being recovered, “We have visual confirmation on her, but we don’t have access to her.”
As of 2:10 PM EST, the woman’s body has been taken from the wreckage, but the identities of the truck driver and his wife have not been made public.
Others were seriously burned in the explosion, while at least one other individual suffered serious injuries.
The Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, which represents some of the employees at the Tyson Plant, released a statement saying, “Unfortunately, our members have informed 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.”
To make sure that all impacted employees are taken care of, we are working with the business and the local emergency authorities. Poultry factories must prioritize the health and safety of their employees, and we are working to help anyone who was hurt last night. Officials from RWDSU are on the ground and prepared to help. This facility is essential to our members and the Camilla community. Although it is too soon to tell what transpired last night, a comprehensive investigation into this tragedy is necessary, and the building must be safe for employees to work there.
We support the employees here, our members for more than 50 years, and many others in the industry who demand improved workplace safety. No employee should ever have to worry about how they’re going to get home securely after work.
I am aware that Mitchell County is home to a sizable industry. Only a portion of the plant was harmed, Thompson clarified. I am aware that both the deceased and the burned sufferers are experiencing a horrible tragedy. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone concerned.
It was first reported on CDLLife that a trucker’s wife was killed by a falling building as she was sleeping in a sleeper following the Tyson factory explosion.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.