Investigation Into Fatal Gas Leak At Georgia Poultry Plant Could Take Years

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The nitrogen gas leak at the Foundation Food Group plant in Gainesville, Ga., on Jan. 28 killed six people and sent 12 others to the hospital.

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Elijah Nouvelage /AFP via Getty Images

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6 Killed In Liquid Nitrogen Leak At Georgia Poultry Plant

Shortly after entering the plant following the leak, investigators found tools near an immersion freezer, which had major pieces of its system installed between four and six weeks before the leak.

Lemos said a maintenance manager shut off an external isolation valve pumping liquid nitrogen into the processing lines soon after the leak started, likely preventing further damage.

The Chemical Safety Board’s does not have the authority to issue fines, citations, or criminally charge anyone or a company at the end of its investigation. Instead, investigators aim to «understand what happened, what led to the event and why it occurred, so that we can recommend changes to prevent future occurrences.»

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also investigating the leak.

• Foundation Food Group
• worker safety
• gas leak