More than 30 people, including students and teachers, were rushed to hospital after an ammonia leak at an ice factory in Doem Bang Nang Buat district in Suphan Buri province sparked panic and forced a chaotic evacuation today.
The leak occurred at an unnamed ice manufacturing plant, sending a thick cloud of chemical vapour and a pungent odour wafting through surrounding communities and nearby schools.
Local administrative officials, disaster prevention and mitigation officers, police and rescue workers rushed to the scene immediately after being alerted.
Authorities quickly coordinated with nearby schools to evacuate students and educational staff from the hazard zone. Residents living and working in the vicinity were also told to evacuate immediately.
The Suphan Buri Provincial Public Health Office set up an emergency assistance and screening centre to assess those affected. According to initial reports, more than 30 people, including students, teachers and local residents, suffered from ammonia inhalation.
Most suffered burning eyes and noses, respiratory irritation, coughing and dizziness. They were transported to Doem Bang Nang Buat Hospital and are currently under close medical supervision.
Emergency services, wearing hazmat suits and breathing apparatus managed to enter the factory and close the main valve, successfully stopping the leak and preventing further chemical contamination.
Officials have cordoned off the area around the factory. Environmental health officers are currently monitoring the air quality and ammonia concentration levels, to ensure the area is safe before allowing residents to return.
An investigation into the cause of the leak is underway. Authorities are examining whether the incident was caused by equipment failure, system malfunction or negligence.
Legal action will be pursued based on the findings and the factory’s operators have been ordered to review their safety systems to prevent a recurrence.
