Six die in poultry plant accident, investigation underway

The investigation into a deadly poultry plant accident will be a lengthy one.

Six people died yesterday from a liquid nitrogen leak at a Foundation Food Group facility in northwest Georgia. A dozen others, including some firefighters, were taken to hospitals with breathing problems.

The plant relies on refrigeration systems that use liquid nitrogen. When leaked into the air it vaporizes into an odorless gas that pushes away breathable air.

The state Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.