16 workers hospitalized after chemical exposure at Kansas City, Kansas, meatpacking plant

Jenna Thompson
Updated ·1 min read

Around 30 employees were treated for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a Kansas City, Kansas, meat processing plant Tuesday, according to the fire department.

Just after 1:40 p.m., emergency services responded to a medical call at Premier Custom Foods on the 700 block of Pawnee Avenue.

On scene, first responders said employees suffered nausea and difficulty breathing.

Of the affected workers, 16 were transported to a hospital. One was taken in critical condition, said Deputy Chief LaRwan McClaine, a spokesman for the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department.

McClaine said he is unsure of the employees’ current conditions.

The cause of the chemical exposure remains under investigation, according to McClaine.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration could not be reached for comment Wednesday, though public records show no previous violations at the plant.

Premier Custom Foods did not respond to The Star’s request for comment Wednesday.