A tragic fire at a Tyson Foods plant in southwest Georgia claimed the life of a 61-year-old woman and left two others hospitalized, state officials reported Friday. The woman, Bajarma Batozhapov of Las Vegas, was killed when a wall collapsed onto the cab of an 18-wheeler parked outside the plant. She had been asleep inside the truck, which was operated by her husband. The husband, who was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident, was uninjured.
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, representing the plant’s 1,600 workers, reported that a boiler explosion triggered the fire. Tyson Foods stated it was cooperating with local authorities to determine the exact cause. The fire raged for about three hours before being brought under control, and heavy machinery was needed to remove debris from the collapsed truck. The woman’s body was recovered Friday afternoon, and an autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
Tragic Fire at Tyson Foods Plant Claims Life, Sparks Safety Investigation in Georgia
Tyson expressed condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized its commitment to employee safety during this difficult period. The company announced a full investigation into the incident to uncover its cause. Bryce Rawson, a spokesperson for the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, confirmed the death and injuries but withheld further details pending the ongoing investigation.
The Camilla plant, the largest employer in Mitchell County, plays a vital role in the local economy. Acquired by Tyson in 2018 as part of a $2.16 billion purchase of Keystone Foods, the plant primarily produces chicken nuggets and fillets for restaurants. Camilla’s Mayor Kelvin Owens highlighted the plant’s economic and community significance, noting its deep ties to the city and its role as a critical part of the region’s agricultural backbone.
Mayor Owens also underscored the personal connection between the city and Tyson Foods, describing the company as a part of the community’s extended family. He vowed continued support for Tyson and those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the city’s solidarity in the face of this loss.
