A Perdue feed mill employee was found dead on Sunday more than 24 hours after an explosion at the facility, according to a Hertford County spokesperson.
Hertford County said four employees were onsite at the Perdue feed mill in Cofield when the explosion and fire started at 2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Other WRAL Top Stories
One of those employees was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries, one was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released and one was evaluated and treated on the scene. The remains of the fourth person were found on Sunday, more than 24 hours after they were reported missing.
Hertford County said the structural integrity of the building was severely compromised by the explosion and subsequent fire. Deteriorating weather conditions created additional hazards for crews searching for the missing employee.
Specialized equipment was requested to assist in stabilizing portions of the structure so responders could safely conduct their search.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the explosion.
Perdue AgriBusiness released a statement on social media:
"We are deeply saddened to confirm that the associate who was unaccounted for following Saturday’s explosion at our Cofield, North Carolina facility has died. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. This is an incredibly difficult moment for them and for many across our company, and we are providing support as they grieve this loss.
We are grateful to the first responders who acted quickly and professionally, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they investigate what happened. Our focus remains on the safety of our people and supporting those affected."
Perdue's Cofield feed mill is closed until further notice.