Man Critically Burned at Georgia Chemical Plant
ALBANY, Ga. --
A flash fire at an Albany chemical plant left an employee critically burned.
The blaze occurred at about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Equinox Chemicals Plant.
A 37-year-old worker sustained second and third-degree burns over 60 to 70 percent of his body. Authorities said Jason Pate was listed in critical condition at the Augusta Burn Center.
Investigators said Pate was operating a machine when two gasket seals ruptured and ignited a tank filled with acetylene.
Company officials suspended production temporarily until they finish an internal investigation.
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