WADESBORO, N.C. — A North Carolina chemical plant has been shut down after a worker was killed in an aluminum chloride explosion in Anston County late Thursday night, officials said.
Firefighters were called to the Darling Ingredients rendering plant in Wadesboro around 9 p.m. Thursday for a hazardous materials call. When firefighters arrived at the plant, they saw a huge plume of smoke, according to Anson County Emergency Services.
Officials confirmed the explosion was caused by an aluminum chloride solution and that one person was dead following the incident. The plant was shut down while the accident is investigated.
A spokesperson for Darling Ingredients issued the following statement to WCNC Charlotte after the incident:
"On June 22, an incident occurred at an ancillary building at our Wadesboro, North Carolina, facility. One employee was fatally injured. The plant has been shut down and an investigation is underway.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our employees. Our hearts and prayers go to the family, friends and co-workers of our team member."
In recent years, multiple Valley Proteins plants have experienced dangerous incidents. In 2020, NBC affiliate WITN reported five people were injured after an explosion at the Duplin County, North Carolina plant.
In 2021, NBC affiliate WRAL reported two people died at the Fayetteville plant after being found unresponsive. In 2022, WCNC Charlotte's content partner WLTX reported a fire caused significant damage at the Saluda County, South Carolina plant.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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