CAMILLA, Ga. (WALB) – At least one person is believed to be killed after an explosion left a Tyson Foods plant in flames overnight, authorities say.

Mitchell County Coroner Jamey Thompson says a woman is presumed dead after the explosion at 7220 US 19 in Camilla.

He said crews were unable to access it because there was debris and damage in the way.

“We do have visual confirmation of her, but as far as access to her, we don’t have any,” he said.

Others were also injured in the explosion. The number of injured is currently unknown.

Thompson says as far as he knows there was an explosion and the woman was reportedly on site when the explosion happened.

Camilla Fire Chief Jamie Sullivan said the flames were out by 2:50 a.m. and crews were still on scene to ensure the fire didn’t start again.

He said crews are engaged in a long-term recovery process due to the collapse of part of the building.

Thompson said further updates would be provided later Friday morning.

“I know this is a big industry for Mitchell County. “It was just a part of the facility that was damaged,” he said. “I know it is a terrible tragedy for the victims who were burned and also for the victim who died. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved. “This is not the first fatal incident at a Georgia food plant in recent years.”

In January 2021, A liquid nitrogen leak killed six workers at a chicken processing plant in Gainesville.

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