A man has died after he was decapitated in an industrial accident at a chicken processing plant in Alabama.

Carlos Lynn died while cleaning equipment inside the plant owned by Tyson Foods, which is the world’s second largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork.

The 39-year-old was contracted by a third party company to clean the equipment. During the cleaning process, he was caught in a “pinch-point” in the machine, Barbour County Coroner Sidney Chapman told TV network WRBL.

Lynn died at 5.50pm on Tuesday. Mr Chapman said the cause of death was decapitation.

A Tyson Foods spokesman said in a statement: “We’re investigating an accident at our Eufaula, Alabama facility yesterday that involved a worker employed by an outside contractor and will provide more information when we can.

“We’re grateful for the swift response and assistance of local emergency personnel.”

According to WSFA12, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an investigation into the incident.