LUMBER BRIDGE, N.C. — One worker was killed and three others were injured due to an ammonia leak at a Mountaire Farms poultry processing plant in Robeson County, N.C., on June 20, according to The Associated Press. The leak was thought to have been caused by a ruptured refrigeration line, according to reports, and Clifton Swain, the 47-year-old victim was performing machine maintenance at the facility when the leak occurred. Approximately 35 people were at the plant, which employs 2,500 workers.

The plant was expected to reopen June 22 after the leak was repaired and authorities deemed it to be a safe working environment.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own. Clifton Swain was a valued employee and held in high esteem by his coworkers," the company stated in a press release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the injured employees in the tragic incident at the Lumber Bridge plant."