Three employees died inside a ConAgra Foods’ plant in Garner, N.C., where an explosion occurred on June 9.

Three employees died inside a ConAgra Foods’ plant in Garner, N.C., where an explosion occurred on June 9. According to published reports, dozens of others were injured. Local authorities are working to notify next of kin before releasing the names of these individuals.

The Omaha, Neb.-based company notes the 500,000-sq.-ft. facility, which ConAgra acquired in 1998, makes Slim Jim products.

"No words can express how saddened we are by these events today," said Gary Rodkin, chief executive officer of ConAgra Foods. "All of our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. ConAgra Foods will provide our people with all of the support they need, and we will continue to work with local authorities to identify the cause of this accident. We are deeply grateful for the work of our local team and the emergency and public safety officials in attending to our employees."

The company is setting up a fund for contributions from ConAgra Foods employees and the local community, and it will continue to provide employee assistance counselors for its employees and their families.

About 280 workers were at the plant when the explosion occurred.