The factory targeted in an alleged terror attack Friday in southeastern France is part of a company with several branches in California, NBC News has learned.
A severed head found posted on the gate of an Air Products factory in southeastern France has been identified as a French businessman, according to the Associated Press.
Two attackers arrived in a car, bearing banners written in Arabic, and set off an explosion. One of the attackers was arrested.
A car rammed the factory gate Friday in southeastern France and plowed into gas canisters, touching off an explosion.
A decapitated body and flags with Arabic writing were found at the entrance.
A security official, who was not authorized to speak to the media and requested anonymity, said the victim was the head of a local transportation company and was believed to have been killed before the explosion. His name was not released.
Authorities had said his body was found near the site of the attack.
Local
The company, which has locations in Carlsbad, El Segundo, Long Beach, Santa Clara, Wilmington and Los Angeles, says it has accounted for all of its employees.
A company statement said:
"We can confirm that an attack occurred at our facility in L'Isle-d'Abeau, France this morning. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and want to express our sympathies to the family of the victim of this unspeakable tragedy.
Emergency services are on site and have contained the situation. All individuals working at the site have been evacuated. The site is secure. Our crisis and emergency response teams have been activated and are working closely with all relevant authorities.
Security has been increased at locations around the world as a precautionary measure."
Air Products, which is based in the U.S., makes gases used by a wide range of industries, including food production, medicine and the oil and gas. It has more than 20,000 employees in 50 countries, mostly in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
