1 killed, 2 injured when 8-story tower explodes in North Carolina, officials say
A body was discovered in the debris after an 8-story tower exploded and burned at a Perdue grain facility in eastern North Carolina, investigators say.
The identity of the employee has not been released.
A crew of four was working at the Perdue Feed Mill when the tower exploded around 2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, officials said. Searchers located the other three.
“One was transported by air with injuries, one was treated and released, and one sustained no injuries,” Perdue officials said in a Feb. 22 news release.
The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the effort to find out what caused the explosion, officials said.
Initial 911 calls reported multiple people might be trapped, and the tower was collapsing, Hertford County officials said. The search for survivors was “incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing” for the first responders, the county reports.
“This is not a routine recovery operation,” county officials reported in a Facebook post.
“The structural integrity of the building has been severely compromised, and deteriorating weather conditions have created additional hazards. Specialized equipment has been requested to assist in stabilizing portions of the structure to allow responders to safely continue operations.”
Perdue is known for selling chicken, but the company also operates Perdue AgriBusiness which deals in grains, seeds, oil and animal feed.
The company has facilities across North Carolina, including Concord, Statesville and Rockingham.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and loved ones. This is an incredibly difficult moment for them and for many across our company, and we are providing support as they grieve this loss,” Perdue officials said in a news release.
This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 6:15 AM with the headline "1 killed, 2 injured when 8-story tower explodes in North Carolina, officials say."