Six dead in nitrogen leak

Gainesville: Six people have died and several are injured after a liquid nitrogen leak at a poultry plant in the US state of Georgia.

At least three of those injured yesterday at the Foundation Food Group plant in Gainesville, Georgia, were reported in critical condition.

Foundation Food Group spokesman Nicholas Ancrum called the leak a tragic accident and said early indications were that a nitrogen line ruptured in the facility.

Eleven people injured in the leak were treated for respiratory symptoms at the hospital. Five were in fair condition, and three were treated and released.

At least four firefighters were injured and taken to hospital with respiratory complaints.

Sheriff’s deputies, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state fire marshal were investigating the incident. — AAP