[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IMPERIAL SUGAR REFINERY EXPLOSION OF 2008

  (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 
Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion in my hometown of Port Wentworth, 
Georgia, in 2008.
  Mr. Speaker, 15 years ago, 14 lives were tragically taken, and 
several others were severely injured. I want to honor the victims of 
this tragedy, as well as the first responders and doctors who worked 
bravely to save lives.
  After the explosion, emergency vehicles quickly lined the access road 
leading out to the refinery. In total, there were around 60 first 
responders on the scene after the accident, working around the clock.
  After survivors were transferred to the Burn Center in Augusta, 
doctors worked diligently to save lives. Some patients were covered 
with burns on upwards of 90 percent of their bodies.
  If it had not been for the heroic work of everyone involved, the 
death toll could have been much higher. Our thoughts and prayers 
continue to be with the families of those whom we lost and with those 
who were injured.
  Thank you to our first responders and medical experts for this 
lifesaving care they gave to all of those involved.

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