There was an explosion overnight at Tyson’s poultry plant in Camilla, Ga., according to a news release from the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union (RWDSU). The Tyson facility is represented by the union.

The Camilla fire chief said the flames had been put out by the middle of the night, based on local news reports.

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU, which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern U.S., and Edgar Fields, president of the Southeast Council of the RWDSU, issued a joint statement noting that “several union members were severely burned in a boiler explosion this morning at the Tyson poultry processing facility in Camilla, Ga.” In addition, another person was reportedly “severely injured and may not survive.”

Local news updates reported that the woman did not survive, and the number of injuries is still unknown. While the company is working with authorities to establish the cause, the fire reportedly may have occurred when the boiler exploded.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends during this difficult time. Right now we are still gathering the facts, but ensuring the safety of our team members is our top priority, and we are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the fire,” Tyson said in a statement, as reported by AP.

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“We are working with the company and local emergency authorities to ensure that all the workers impacted are taken care of,” the joint statement from Appelbaum and Fields continued. “The health and safety of workers must be a top priority at poultry plants, and we are working to assist anyone injured last night. RWDSU representatives are on the ground and available to assist. Our members and the community of Camilla depend on this facility operating. It is too early to tell what happened last night, but there must be a thorough investigation into this incident, and workers must be able to work safely in the facility.

Tyson had invested $34.2 million in 2019 to expand the facility in Camilla. The 35,000 square foot expansion included construction of a “mega line” that led to the hiring of 100 new team members at the facility.

The Southeast Council of RWDSU represents about 1,600 workers at the bargaining table at this Tyson facility in Camilla. RWDSU represents more than 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern U.S., which includes workers at other Tyson facilities.

RWDSU represents 100,000 members throughout the U.S. and is affiliated with the United Food & Commercial Workers Union.

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