Autopsies show three workers killed in the collapse of a Slim Jim factory in North Carolina were crushed to death.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Friday that autopsy results were released for workers Barbara McLean, Lewis Watson and Rachel Pulley. They died from blunt force trauma in the June 9 explosion at the ConAgra plant in Garner, where nearly 40 were injured.
Two federal agencies have blamed natural gas for the blast. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said contractors installing a water heater likely vented natural gas inside the building before the explosion as they purged a gas line. Officials said the gas should have been vented outside.
The plant was closed for weeks, but production is scheduled to resume on Monday.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Doctor J says: 
Daredevil CEOs May Put Companies at Risk
California Independent Contractor Law May Be Liability for Agents, Brokers
North Carolina Continues Auto Regulation Debate As Rates Stay Same for 2012
Long-time California Lobbyist Looks to 2012 Legislation Affecting Insurance
Mine Safety Chief Seeks to End Complacency Over Safety
Virginia Court Grants Rehearing of Global Warming Claims Case
Woman Takes Honda to Small-Claims, Wins Big
Federal Insurance Office Says Overdue Regulation Report Still Weeks Away
