Suphan buri: An ammonia gas leak occurred at an ice factory, prompting the evacuation of over a hundred villagers and students to safety. Initially, 36 people were affected.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident took place yesterday afternoon at the ice factory located in Khao Phra Subdistrict, Derm Bang Nang Buach District, Suphan Buri Province, which is situated near a school and community. Authorities swiftly evacuated residents from the affected area, with over 36 residents requiring hospitalization due to symptoms such as eye and nasal irritation and chest tightness. The province has ordered the evacuation of students from two nearby schools and residents within a 1,000-meter radius to safer areas.
Subsequently, Mr. Wichayaphan Ploytubtim, the Suphan Buri Provincial Industry Officer, the District Chief of Derm Bang Nang Buach, along with other relevant officials and agencies, inspected the ice factory and measured the concentration of ammonia gas that had leaked out.
Upon questioning, the ice factory owner indicated that the leak was likely caused by a damaged ammonia pipeline. They were in the process of replacing the pipe at the location when the leak occurred. The factory owner confirmed that safety measures had not been neglected, with regular inspections of the valve system and ammonia gas pipelines. Safety devices are installed in other pipelines to prevent ammonia gas leaks should any abnormalities occur; these systems will mitigate risks and contain the leak.
Initially, officials cordoned off the area and ordered a halt to all operations. They also deployed air quality monitoring equipment to inspect the factory and surrounding areas to assess the concentration of ammonia gas in the air. The measurement results will be used to assess safety and determine future monitoring measures in the area.