Liquid nitrogen leak kills 6, injures at least 11 at Georgia food plant, officials say
.png "A chemical leak Thursday at a Georgia food processing plant has killed multiple people and injured many more.")
A liquid nitrogen leak has killed at least six employees Thursday at a Georgia food processing plant and injured nearly a dozen others, according to the Hall County Fire Department.
Authorities responded to a HAZMAT situation at the Foundation Food Group facility in Gainesville around 10 a.m., outlets report. When they arrived, a large crowd of employees had evacuated the building and was gathered outside.
Nearby roads were shut down, and at least 130 people were evacuated to a nearby church on school buses for medical evaluation, the Gainesville Times reported.
At least 12 people were rushed to a hospital, Gainesville police said.
While five died at the scene, one victim made it to a hospital before succumbing to their injuries, bringing the death toll to six, Northeast Georgia Health System spokesman Sean Couch said.
Three of the 11 who are hospitalized are in critical condition, and the rest are stable, the station reported.
Four of the injured are firefighters, including one from Gainesville, and another with the county fire services, outlets report. They were suffering from respiratory issues.
The cause of the leak is under investigation, Hall County fire officials said.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the state Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are all investigating the incident, officials said.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp released a statement Thursday afternoon, expressing sympathy for the families impacted.
“Our hearts are broken hearing about the tragedy that took place,” the statement read. “Marty, the girls, and I ask all Georgians to join us in praying for the families facing a terrible loss and the other employees who are receiving medical care. May God be a hand of peace, comfort, and healing in the days of ahead.”
This story was originally published January 28, 2021 at 2:18 PM with the headline "Liquid nitrogen leak kills 6, injures at least 11 at Georgia food plant, officials say."