One employee has died as a result of an explosion on July 3 at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) [GD] facility in Camden, Arkansas, the company has confirmed.
GD-OTS said the incident involved “pyrotechnic material” and also caused injuries to two other employees, one who was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital and another that was treated and released from a hospital in Camden.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news that one of our employees has tragically lost their life in an incident at our Camden facility,” Firat Gezen, president of GD-OTS, said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased and injured individuals during this incredibly difficult time.”
Production at the Camden facility, which supports work on programs such as Modular Artillery Charge Systems, Hydra-70 2.75-inch rocket system and warheads, has been paused for the time being while an investigation into the incident is ongoing, a GD-OTS spokesperson confirmed to Defense Daily.
“GD-OTS is working closely with local authorities and regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Internal investigations are also underway to understand how this occurred and to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” the company said in a statement.