Explosion at Slim Jim Plant,Three Missing

Slim Jim is a brand of beef jerky manufactured by ConAgra Foods, Inc. At this point, rescue officials do not know the cause of the blast.

The Slim Jim plant employs about 300 people. According to Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams, injuries ranged from burns to smoke inhalation. He added that there is there is a toxic cloud on and about the plant.

A smell of ammonia exists around the plant. Lt. Chris Hagwood, a spokesman for the Garner Police Department said:

"We're still working evacuating anybody else that was still in the building and treating people that were injured."

ConAgra spokesman Dave Jackson said:

"Obviously our first priority is the safety of our employees and the community and making sure our employees are accounted for and working with them to get them whatever they might need."

The plant was last inspected in July 2008, and had no issues noted.