A devastating overnight fire at a Tyson Foods processing facility in southwest Georgia has resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. The incident occurred late Thursday night or early Friday morning, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
According to Mitchell County Coroner Robby Willis, a collapsing wall struck the cab of a parked tractor-trailer, tragically killing the wife of the truck driver who was sleeping inside. The victim has been identified as 61-year-old Bajarma Batozhapov of Las Vegas. Her husband, who was not in the truck at the time, was unharmed.
While the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, representing workers at the plant, indicated a boiler explosion as the potential cause, Tyson Foods stated that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact origin of the fire. The blaze reportedly burned for approximately three hours. Recovery efforts, hampered by debris, continued until the afternoon. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
Tyson Foods released a statement expressing their profound condolences to the victim's family and friends, emphasizing their commitment to investigating the incident fully and prioritizing team member safety. Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office spokesperson Bryce Rawson confirmed the fatality and injuries, but refrained from further comment due to the ongoing investigation.
A Tyson Foods logo is seen on a truck parked at a food warehouse. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
Located in Camilla, a town of approximately 5,000 residents, the Tyson plant serves as a significant employer in Mitchell County. Acquired by Tyson in 2018 as part of the Keystone Foods acquisition, the facility primarily produces chicken products for restaurants.
Camilla Mayor Kelvin Owens highlighted the vital role Tyson plays in the local economy and community, expressing support for the company and its employees during this difficult period.
