At 11:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time on June 9, 2009 an explosion caused catastrophic damage to a ConAgra Foods plant on Jones Sausage Road in Garner, North Carolina in the United States. At least 300 people were at work in the plant at the time. Estimates indicate that up to 46 people were sent to area hospitals, and, as of 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time , three people are still unaccounted for. Eye witnesses reported a loud explosion, and also reported the smell of ammonia. At least one of the building's walls was blown outward, crushing a line of cars, and roof damage was visible in nearly all parts of the main building. Crews are working on containing a leak of anhydrous ammonia; it is unclear if the leak caused the explosion or was caused by the explosion. While area residents also reported smelling ammonia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials on site have indicated that there is no general health risk to the local residents. Three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
At 11:27 a.m. EDT (3:27 UTC) on June 9, 2009 an explosion caused catastrophic damage to a ConAgra Foods plant on Jones Sausage Road in Garner, North Carolina in the United States. At least 300 people were at work in the plant at the time. Estimates indicate that up to 46 people were sent to area hospitals, and, as of 4:00 p.m. EDT , three people are still unaccounted for. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, and also reported the smell of ammonia. At least one of the building's walls was blown outward, crushing a line of cars, and roof damage was visible in nearly all parts of the main building. Crews are working on containing a leak of anhydrous ammonia; it is unclear if the leak caused the explosion or was caused by the explosion. While area residents also reported smelling ammonia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials on site have indicated that there is no general health risk to the local residents. Three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
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AM Eastern Daylight Time
a.m. EDT (3:27 UTC)
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PM Eastern Daylight Time
p.m. EDT
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Eye witnesses
Eyewitnesses