Two workers remain unaccounted for after the explosion and fire at the Imperial Sugar Co. plant on the evening of 7 February.

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A number of associates and contractors were injured, 17 remain hospitalised at a burns centre and six are confirmed dead.


Rescue efforts are ongoing at the US-based refinery where the facility is still under the authority of the fire department.


John Sheptor, Imperial’s president and CEO, said: “The Imperial family is devastated by this heartbreaking event. Our constant thoughts and prayers are with our injured co-workers, their families and all our associates. We are touched by the level of concern and the outpouring of support shown by the local community and are grateful for the superb response by the local emergency agencies as well as the medical team in Augusta.


“Currently, we are focusing our efforts on working with authorities on the continued rescue efforts, providing all available support to those receiving medical attention as well as the families of those coworkers who have been affected. We are in communications with our customers and suppliers about the ongoing operations at our Gramercy Louisiana refinery, and appreciate their patience and understanding.”

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Imperial is one of the largest processors and marketers of refined sugar in the US to food manufacturers, retail grocers and foodservice distributors.

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