More than 100 workers sickened by ammonia leak

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Nearly 200 workers at a chicken processing plant in this northeastern province fell ill Monday after inhaling ammonia fumes from a leaking freezer.

Among those, more than 10 were in serious condition.

Officials said some workers vomited, while others experienced chest pain and fainted. They were sent to hospital for treatment.

The ammonia leak occurred while hundreds of workers were slaughtering chickens at the Laemthong Poultry Co., Ltd.

Provincial officials said the factory was ordered to close temporarily until the freezer is repaired.

Police are investigating the cause of the leak.

The factory, which employs 1,750 workers, has the capacity to process 100,000 slaughtered chickens per day.

--TNA 2005-09-12

Many of my relatives and friends work at this place. I am glad to say that non were hurt.

I was told that the workers are to report to work as normal in the morning. Supposedly, they will not work...just have to show up so that it won't affect their pay.