USA – Worker Dies After Chemical Blast on Tanker Truck in North Carolina
A chemical explosion involving a tanker truck at the Carolina Beverage Group facility in Mooresville, North Carolina, left one worker dead and another injured early Tuesday morning.
What Happened
The blast occurred around 7:15 a.m. at the industrial park where the beverage co-packer operates. The tanker truck suddenly exploded, killing the truck’s operator on-site. Another employee at the facility was injured and later taken to Charlotte for treatment.
Chemical Hazards Identified
Mooresville Fire and Rescue reported that the truck contained sodium hydroxide, a corrosive substance commonly used for cleaning. The explosion also caused a valve malfunction on a nearby stationary nitrogen tank, resulting in a second leak. Hazmat crews were able to contain the issue, according to Fire Rescue Chief Shane LaCount.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation. In a statement posted on X, the agency announced that four investigators were being sent to examine the scene and the tanker truck, which was transporting a corrosive liquid at the time of the incident.
About the Facility
Carolina Beverage Group, which provides co-packing services for beverage manufacturers, operates facilities in North Carolina, Texas, and Minnesota. The Mooresville site is one of the company’s key production locations.
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