HAMPTON, Arkansas — Update: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) confirmed that one employee lost their life after an explosion involving pyrotechnics occurred Wednesday at its facility.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that one of our employees has tragically lost their life in an incident at our Camden facility,” said Firat Gezen, president of GD-OTS. “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased and injured individuals during this incredibly difficult time.”
The company is currently working with investigators to determine what caused this accident and implement new safety measures to prevent future incidents.
An investigation is now underway at a factory in Hampton, Arkansas after an incident left multiple people injured on Wednesday morning.
According to reports, just after 8:15 a.m. an explosion involving pyrotechnics happened at the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems facility. It left at least two people injured and resulted in one death.
Reports state that one of the patients has been treated in the emergency room and they remain in stable condition. Another victim was taken to an out-of-state hospital via helicopter.
Hampton Mayor Rick Shirron said his thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by Wednesday's explosion.
"What everybody needs to do, is just pray for the town and the people, and the whole area. Remember the families affected by this out here, especially because I say it, you know, it has to be a bad deal," he added.
The facility is used as the business's explosive load, assemble, and pack facility for a wide range of U.S. military programs.
The facility is also recognized for what it refers to as "advanced quality control analytical laboratories" which are used for mechanical and chemical inspection.
Some of the key processes that the lab undergoes are as follows:
- Load, assemble, and pack
- Mix-cast
- Melt-pour
- Pressing
- Rocket assembly and testing
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time.
First responders and law enforcement are on the scene and have begun an investigation.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing and we will update with more information as soon as it becomes available.