Ammonia Leak at Ice Factory in Lopburi Sends 40 to Hospital

Picture from responders.

Panic erupted in Lopburi when a major ammonia leak at an ice factory forced workers and their families to flee to safety. A total of 40 people, including children, were rushed to hospital after inhaling the toxic fumes.

At around 11:00 on 11 February, Lopburi city police received reports of a strong gas odour coming from an ice factory in Moo 6, located near the Lopburi irrigation canal road in Thaen Yai subdistrict.

Police officers, emergency medical teams from Narai Maharaj Hospital, rescue workers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, and four fire engines were dispatched to the scene.

The factory, one of the largest ice producers in Lopburi, was in chaos as workers, many of whom are Burmese migrants, frantically evacuated their families, including sleeping children, to escape the overwhelming ammonia fumes. Most left their belongings behind in their desperate bid for safety.

Rescue teams, wearing protective gear were able to contain the leak, and assessed, then transported over 40 affected individuals to Narai Maharaj Hospital. Patients were immediately decontaminated and given medical attention. Authorities cordoned off the hospital’s emergency area to prevent further exposure to other patients.

Lopburi municipal chief, Ratchapol Kiattivinaysakul, confirmed that the factory, registered under the name Phromburi 3 Ice Factory, has been temporarily shut down pending a full safety inspection.

The factory owner, Uthong Chuangpanich, will be summoned for questioning as investigators work to determine the cause of the gas leak.

Among those hospitalised were 22 adults and eight children at Narai Maharaj Hospital, while another ten were treated at Anandamahidol Hospital for less serious effects, bringing the total number of victims to 40.

-- 2025-02-12