Some Workers Still Hospitalized After Tyson Chlorine Accident

Investigators in Arkansas are still trying to determine what led to a chlorine leak at the Tyson Foods Plant in Springdale, Arkansas on Monday.  Tyson Foods has blamed the accident on "human error" which resulted in the accidental mixing of two chemicals, but the company isn't saying much else.

Initially, 173 of roughly 300 workers evacuated from the Tyson Foods facility were sent to area hospitals after complaining of respiratory problems hospitalizied.  As of today, 14 remain hospitalized, with one still in ICU.

According to local media reports, the chlorine fumes were first noticed Monday morning in an area of the plant where chickens are cleaned. A hazmat team was called to the scene, and the Fayetteville Fire Department had to set up a decontamination tent at Washington Regional Medical center to aid patients from the Tyson leak.

At a news conference yesterday, Tyson officials said a health clinic will be set up at the plant to provide follow-up medical attention for employees who return back to work over the next several days. Anyone who did not receive a medical evaluation after the accident on Monday will be able to undergo one there.

Tyson said it will not comment further on the accident until its own investigation is complete.