Search crews have recovered another body from the Imperial Sugar refinery devastated by a massive explosion on Friday, bringing the number of confirmed deaths to six.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Insurance and safety fire commissioner John Oxendine told The Associated Press, crews removed the body from the debris of the Georgia refinery shortly before ending search operations at sunset.


“The body was found in the final sweep,” said Oxendine, who told The AP he got the news from Port Wentworth Fire Chief Greg Long. “It is in the custody of the medical examiner.”


Dozens of workers were sent to hospital with burns and other injuries from the smoulding remnants of the plant last week, where two more workers are still missing.


Officials stopped the search at sunset on Sunday after searching most of the plant, but leaving part of the refinery complex that was still burning and where the buildings were dangerously unstable.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Long said search crews had covered 95% of the massive refinery, but sugar still burning in two of the refinery’s three badly damaged, 100ft storage silos threatened to weaken the towering structures.


Seventeen workers remained hospitalised on Sunday in critical conditions with severe burns.


“Currently, we are focusing our efforts on working with authorities on the continued rescue effort, providing all available support to those receiving medical attention as well as the families of those co-workers who have been affected,” said John Sheptor, president and CEO of Imperial Sugar.


“With the facility still under the authority of the fire department’s rescue team, we are unable to provide specific information about the cause of this tragedy or any other detail.”


Imperial Sugar was one of the largest and oldest employers in the city. The refinery was a network of warehouses, silos and buildings eight stories tall connected by corridors of sheet metal.

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now