Panic as Ammonia Gas Leak Sends 18 Employees to Hospital in Pattani

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A hazardous ammonia gas leak at an ice manufacturing plant in Pattani has left 18 employees hospitalised after they inhaled the toxic fumes. The leak, which occurred early morning on November 13, caused widespread panic and prompted immediate evacuation efforts.

 

At around 09:00, Pol. Col. Jeffrey Silaimanakul, the Chief of Pattani City Police, received reports of the gas leak at the Sofar Ice Factory, located in Talubo Subdistrict, Mueang Pattani District. The ammonia fumes quickly spread across the area, overwhelming the workers inside the building.

 

Responding to the emergency, local authorities, including the police, administrative officers, and fire fighters, rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the ammonia gas leaking extensively from the factory’s storage tanks. Firefighters deployed fire trucks to spray water currents in an effort to dilute the gas and prevent it from dispersing further into the air. Simultaneously, emergency teams wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to close the gas valve and stop the leak.

 

While efforts to control the leak were underway, numerous workers began showing symptoms of ammonia poisoning, including dizziness, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and in some cases, vomiting. The authorities quickly coordinated with rescue teams from Pattani City, Talubo, Rusamilae, and the Pattani Provincial Disaster Rescue Service. Ten ambulances were dispatched to transport the affected workers to Pattani Hospital for medical treatment.

 

According to workers at the factory, the incident occurred while employees were inspecting the ammonia gas storage area. During the inspection, a metal object fell onto the gas pipeline, causing it to rupture and release a large amount of ammonia into the building. Workers immediately fled the building to escape the fumes and alerted authorities.

 

Following the incident, Pattani Governor Patima Sadiyamu visited the site and established an emergency operations centre to manage the crisis and ensure public safety. The authorities used loudspeakers to instruct nearby residents to stay clear of the affected area. Local schools and childcare centres were temporarily closed as a precaution, and parents quickly arrived to pick up their children.

 

The Governor also instructed public health officials and medical teams at Pattani Hospital to conduct thorough checks on the health of residents in the surrounding area.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-14

 

 

[Korat Kiwi]

Ammonia gas... used worldwide for cooling/freezing.  Nasty stuff if inhaled. 

 

Having worked in freezers for years I'm well aware of the risks and need for education of all staff on site as to this possible hazard. 

 

I would doubt that all workers on this site knew of the dangers involved.  It can be a long road to recovery... If they survive. 

[Peterphuket]

If I remember well, it was last week also problems with ammonia in a ice factory?

[hotchilli]

Hope the workers are taken care of by the company, not,  see you back here tomorrow.