Picture from responders.

 

An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Mueang Khon Kaen district has caused widespread disruption, with local residents reporting severe irritation and a local resort guests hastily checking out due to the overwhelming odour.

 

Emergency response teams were deployed to the factory in Ban Tao Nor, Sila subdistrict, following complaints from locals about a strong ammonia smell that made breathing difficult and caused eye, throat, and nasal irritation.

 

Officials from the Silala Municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre Region 6 sprayed water mist over the factory to reduce airborne ammonia vapours levels, before shutting off the gas valve, to isolate the leak.

 

The leak, which occurred during a shift change in the early hours of 6 February, spread across a 500-metre radius, exacerbated by strong winds.

 

Authorities later visited the factory, located along the Khon Kaen bypass road, to assess the situation. According to local official Phairat, the factory has been in operation for four to five months with the necessary permits. However, this is the first reported ammonia leak. He stated that discussions are underway with the provincial industry office to determine whether production should be temporarily halted to address the issues.

 

Village headman Satit Chantasorn, 57, confirmed that residents had been suffering from the intense ammonia fumes since the early morning. Factory workers reported the leak at shift change, but site technical staff were not immediately available to shut down the system or close the valve.

 

The leak also caused panic among guests at a nearby resort. A housekeeper, identified only as Aom, 56, described the situation: “The smell was unbearable. It was hard to breathe, and my eyes and throat were burning. Resort guests were alarmed, trying to find the source of the odour, and ultimately decided to check out en masse.”

 

Residents and business owners are urging authorities to take swift action to prevent further incidents. Investigations are ongoing into the incident.

 

-- 2025-02-07

 

 

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He stated that discussions are underway with the provincial industry office to determine whether production should be temporarily halted to address the issues.

What ?