Thursday, 26 December 2024

Hazardous Leak Hospitalizes 7 Individuals, Estimated 500 Gallons Of Toxic Chemical Spilled

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An enormous ammonia leak at a business located in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, hospitalized seven individuals.

One employee reportedly sustained critical injuries but is expected to survive.

“North Attleboro Fire Chief Chris Coleman tells WBZ a plumber was working on an oven in the building – that was ultimately going to become trash – when he accidentally hit a pipe connected to an ammonia tank that was believed to be empty and out of use,” CBS News noted.

Firefighters from multiple towns responded to the incident.

It’s estimated that approximately 500 gallons of the toxic chemical leaked from the tank.

Per CBS News:

Two nearby businesses on the industrial street Larsen Way had to be evacuated as vents began to pump the chemical outside. Still, there was no threat to the general public, the chief said.

The tank hadn’t been used in approximately 14 months, according to statements the business owners told investigators.

The leak sent seven employees total – of the 15 to 18 estimated to be working at the time – to the hospital, the majority of which had minor inhalation injuries.

The building is run by J.T. Inman, a sterling silver company in business since 1882. According to the company’s website, its goal is to “be your source for sterling silver gifts of high quality and originality.”

“North Attleboro firefighters shut off the ammonia from the outside of the building, but a hazmat team was called to the scene to inspect the ammonia tank from the inside,” Boston 25 News noted.

Boston 25 News reports:

“Ammonia is a very poisonous gas when a piping is cut. It’s toxic, which is why the hazmat team is gearing up in Level-A suits,” Coleman said. “They are fully-encapsulating suits and they can go in and assess the atmosphere.”

Coleman noted that one nearby business was evacuated as a precaution.

“We did have a slight odor on the outside of the building but that’s because they had some internal fans venting the ammonia out of the building,” Coleman explained. “There is no hazard to the public. The ammonia is contained to the building.”

Coleman said crews were working to determine if the leak involved liquid or gas ammonia. Ammonia primarily causes toxic inhalation but it can cause burns in its liquid form.

An investigation is ongoing.

WATCH:

In related news, an ammonia leak at a Virginia food manufacturing plant prompted a hazmat response and mass casualty incident declaration.

WATCH:

The incident hospitalized over 30 individuals.


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