GARNER, N.C. — Federal and local authorities investigating the explosion that killed three people and injured dozens at ConAgra Foods’ 500,000 sq. ft. plant in Garner, N.C. on June 9 hope to be able to enter the plant safely on June 12, once enough debris has been removed and they are confident the building is stabilized.

"At this point, we don’t know the cause," ConAgra spokesman Dave Jackson told MEATPOULTRY.com. "The investigation is being led by local and federal authorities, and our role is to support them in any way that we can. We will be making available any information or resources that can assist in their investigation.

"We are still assessing the damage to the plant and can’t make a definitive statement on rebuilding the plant," he added. "I’ll follow what our c.e.o. said (on June 10) that our hope is to rebuild."