Firefighters and local officials reported that 6 people are confirmed dead and at least 10 others were hospitalized after a liquid nitrogen leak at the Foundation Food Group poultry plant in Gainesville, Georgia, the United States of America. Emergency services were called to the scene at 10:12 local time, and some 130 people were initially evacuated to a local church for medical evaluation following the incident. According to local media reports, 5 people were found dead at the scene, one person was later pronounced dead at a local medical facility, and three others were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The cause of the leak is still unclear and being investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

Nitrogen is a typically inert gas that becomes liquid when supercooled, and is commonly used in frozen food processing plants. When released in confined spaces, nitrogen can quickly quickly displace oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and asphyxiation of those in the spaces. It is especially dangerous as it cannot be detected in the air by smell. 

A representative for the Foundation Food Group said that preliminary investigations suggest that there was no explosion, and that a nitrogen line within the facility likely ruptured, though the cause is still unknown. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has expressed his condolences for the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the incident.

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