Building collapse at Pilgrim's Pride

GAINESVILLE - The Pilgrim's Pride building in Gainesville had a structural collapse Friday afternoon, causing an ammonia leak and forcing evacuation.

Gainesville Fire Chief Dick Taylor said the collapse forced the closure of Industrial Boulevard, and Hall and Gainesville officials are on scene monitoring the situation.

Taylor said construction was underway in the plant, but he was not ready to say if that was a factor. He said the ammonia line break was quickly contained and the afternoon breeze gave the HazMat team a real break by dissipating the ammonia vapors.

Just over two hundred plant workers went home after the evacuation. Three people were sent to Northeast Georgia Medical Center with minor injuries.