– Recovery efforts are ongoing at a Perdue Farms feed mill in Cofield, North Carolina, following a significant explosion and subsequent fire that occurred early Saturday morning. The incident has left one worker unaccounted for and has resulted in varying degrees of injury to three others.
Incident Details and Response
Emergency crews were first dispatched to the facility, located on Perdue Road, around on Saturday, February 21st, responding to reports of a commercial structure fire. Upon arrival, responders determined that an explosion had preceded the fire, causing substantial structural damage to the mill.
According to Hertford County officials, four employees were present at the facility when the explosion occurred. One worker was transported to a regional medical facility with serious injuries, while another was treated and released. A third employee received evaluation and treatment at the scene and did not require hospitalization. The fourth employee remains unaccounted for as of Sunday afternoon, prompting an intensive search and recovery operation.
“The safety of first responders remains a top priority,” officials stated, emphasizing the deliberate and methodical approach being taken due to the instability of the building’s structure.
Complex Recovery Operation
The structural integrity of the feed mill has been severely compromised, presenting significant challenges to rescue teams. Deteriorating weather conditions are further complicating the recovery efforts. Specialized equipment has been requested to stabilize portions of the structure, allowing crews to continue searching safely.
North Carolina Emergency Management has deployed specialized teams to assist, including NC Task Force 10, a 24-member urban search and rescue team comprised of personnel from Greenville and New Bern Fire/Rescue, and NC RRT-1, Williamston Fire/Rescue/EMS. These teams are conducting search operations, air monitoring, and providing logistical support.
Perdue Farms’ Response and Investigation
Perdue Farms has confirmed the incident and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. In a statement released on , the company expressed its focus on the affected employees and their families. “Our focus is on the associates affected by this incident and on supporting their families,” said Andrea Staub, Senior Vice President, Perdue Farms Corporate Communications.
The company has refrained from releasing the names of those involved out of respect for their privacy and the wishes of their families. Perdue Farms is working closely with investigators to determine the cause of the explosion.
Financial and Operational Implications
The explosion at the Cofield feed mill raises questions about potential disruptions to Perdue Farms’ supply chain. Feed mills are critical components of the agricultural production process, converting raw ingredients into animal feed. A prolonged outage at this facility could impact the availability and cost of feed for Perdue’s poultry operations, potentially affecting production volumes and profitability.
While Perdue Farms has not yet quantified the financial impact of the incident, the cost of repairs or rebuilding the facility, coupled with potential production losses, could be substantial. The company’s insurance coverage will likely mitigate some of these costs, but a significant disruption could still weigh on earnings.
The incident also highlights the inherent risks associated with industrial facilities that handle combustible materials. Feed mills often store large quantities of grain and other organic matter, which can create a dust explosion hazard if not properly managed. Regulatory agencies will likely scrutinize Perdue Farms’ safety protocols and procedures in the wake of the explosion.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Outlook
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined whether the fire and explosion were simultaneous or if one triggered the other. The investigation will likely focus on identifying potential ignition sources, assessing the effectiveness of safety measures, and determining whether any regulatory violations contributed to the incident.
Hertford County continues to coordinate with Perdue Farms, as well as local, state, and federal partners, as recovery efforts and the investigation proceed. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The long-term implications of this incident for Perdue Farms and the surrounding community remain uncertain, pending the outcome of the investigation and the extent of the damage to the facility.
