GUYMON, OKLA. -- A Seaboard Foods employee was killed Thursday afternoon in the plant's rendering department, the company said.
A spokesperson for Seaboard said the employee fell onto a shaft.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and friends," the company said in a statement released to Pronews 7.
The accident happened at about 2:30 p.m., Thursday. The employee's name was not immediately released.
Seaboard said the rendering department was immediately shut down and it enacted its emergency response protocols. Local paramedics and authorities were also notified, a company spokesman said.
"We have pledged our full cooperation with the authorities' ongoing investigations to ensure safety protocols and processes were and continue to be followed, and also have launched an internal investigation to help determine the facts," the company said.
Arrangements to provide counseling services for the employees affected by the accidents are being made, Seaboard said.
Seaboard is the largest employer in the Oklahoma Panhandle.
