Employee dies after explosion at Anson County plant, officials say

ANSON COUNTY, N.C. — First responders recovered the body of the employee who died in a plant explosion late Thursday night, Anson Fire Department confirmed.

The explosion happened shortly after 9 p.m. at the Darling Ingredient plant off Highway 52 in Anson County, north of Wadesboro.

0 of 11

Channel 9 learned the explosion involved an aluminum chloride solution that can react violently with water. A small building collapsed, but the cause of the explosion is still undetermined. Charlotte Fire Department said there is no threat to the community.

Wayne Davis lives just down the street from the plant. Last night, he said he had his hearing aids out but still felt something around the time of the explosion.

READ: Neighbors say they live in fear after explosion at hydrogen fuel plant

“It would take a lot for me to hear,” Davis said. “It was loud and you could feel it in the house.”

Darling Ingredients makes food for animals. The company claims safety is its first ingredient, but this is not the first time one of Darling Ingredients’ plants exploded.

In 2020, the company faced a $75,000 fine after two workers died in an explosion in Mississippi, according to an OSHA inspection report.

Taylor Griffin worked at other plants and says these kinds of hazards come with the job.

“It’s not uncommon at all, they have many different chemicals you know?” Griffin explained.

The Anson County fire marshal tells Channel 9 they found a plume of smoke coming from the building and waited for Charlotte Fire Department to send its air quality monitoring equipment and hazmat crew to the scene.

Darling Ingredient officials released a statement, saying “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our employees. Our hearts and prayers go to the family, friends, and coworkers of our team member.”

According to the statement, the plant is shut down and an investigation is underway. Anson County Fire Department and OSHA will investigate.

>>This is a developing story. Channel 9 is asking for more information.

Return to this story for updates.

VIDEO: Firefighters believe gas leak caused explosion at Hickory apartment complex