GARNER, N.C. — Federal agents are standing by to begin investigating the cause of an explosion that killed three people and injured dozens at ConAgra Foods’ 500,000 sq. ft. Slim Jim meat snacks plant in Garner, N.C., according to The Associated Press.

A team of 25 people, including investigators and technicians, is ready to enter the facility once it is determined to be "completely safe," said Earl Woodham of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

When the explosion ripped through the ConAgra Foods Inc. plant on the morning of June 9, approximately 300 people were working at the facility. Victims of the blast were Barbara McLean Spears, 43, of Dunn, and Rachel Mae Poston Pulley, 67, and Lewis Junior Watson, 33, both of Clayton.

WTVD in Garner stated ConAgra created a United Way Relief Fund and donated $100,000. ConAgra also will continue to pay its Garner workers indefinitely while the plant remains closed.