CAMILLA, Ga. - A tragic fire and explosion at the Tyson Foods plant on Friday resulted in the death of one woman and left two others injured. The incident unfolded overnight, capturing the attention of local officials and community members grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
The victim has been identified as Bajarma Batozhatov, 61, of Las Vegas, who was tragically asleep in the sleeper cab of her husband’s truck when the explosion occurred. According to the Mitchell County Coroner’s Office, her body was not recovered until around 2:10 p.m. on Friday due to heavy debris. They confirmed she was not a worker at the plant, but was accompanying her husband, who is employed as a truck driver.
Witnesses report the fire began from what some sources indicated was a boiler explosion. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which advocates for the plant's workers, described the event as particularly catastrophic, with confirmation of severe burn injuries to others as well.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends during this difficult time. Right now we are still gathering the facts, but ensuring the safety of our team members is our top priority, and we are conducting a full investigation,” stated a Tyson Foods spokesperson.
Fire Chief Jamie Sullivan mentioned the efforts required to extinguish the fire and manage the debris at the scene. “I know it’s a horrible tragedy for the victims... My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved,” he said, highlighting the local industry’s importance.
The Tyson plant, which has operated as the largest employer in Mitchell County, has witnessed community support during these trying times. Mayor Kelvin Owens expressed the town's relationship with the plant, saying, “Not only are they important to the economy, they’re important to us as people. We’re going to do everything we can to support them during this time.”
Stuart Appelbaum and Edgar Fields of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union voiced their concern for both the victims and the plant’s operations. “Our members and the community of Camilla depend on this facility operating... there must be a thorough investigation... no worker should ever have to worry...” they remarked, underscoring the need for safer working conditions.
The incident raises alarming questions about safety protocols within food processing facilities. This is not the first tragedy linked to such operations, as highlighted by the liquid nitrogen leak at another Georgia plant back in 2021, which killed six workers.
While the exact cause of Friday’s fire remains under investigation, the emotional toll on the community is palpable. The recovery efforts continue, with many hoping for swift answers from local authorities. The tragic death of Bajarma Batozhatov serves as both a stark reminder and urgent call for enhanced safeguarding solutions within the workplace.
Local officials and Tyson Foods representatives are committed to determining the cause of the fire, ensuring nothing like this occurs again at the plant or any other facility. The community stands united, determined to support one another through these heartbreaking events.
