USA: Following a significant chemical leak, workers at a Coca-Cola plant in Florida were required to evacuate, according to local authorities. A brief shelter-in-place order was issued for local residents as a result of the spill.
An enormous 20,000-gallon tank at a facility in Auburndale, Florida was discovered to be leaking ammonia early on Wednesday, a city representative told a local Fox affiliate, adding that all employees were evacuated from the plant.
Following the discovery, residents in a two-block area close to the factory were also instructed to seek shelter; however, the directive was later revoked after fire crews had successfully stopped the leak. According to reports, cleanup efforts were finished around 3:30 pm.
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Although the Coca-Cola Company later released a statement noting that "a few electrical employees working nearby" sought medical attention "for minor eye and throat irritations," there have been no reports of serious injuries to workers or locals.
However, according to Deputy Fire Chief David Cash, the substance had been largely contained in the plant. Cash also claimed that some residents had called to complain about a chemical odour and "irritation" that may have been brought on by the spill.
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Ammonia first emerges as a liquid before evaporating into vapour, he explained. "Both issues were present. A tiny amount of vapour rose and left the plant. We combined water with the contained liquid. Water can be sprayed on it to lessen the effect, and since everything was kept inside the plant's filtration system, nothing escaped.
The 20,000-gallon container had a "piping" issue, according to Cash, who also noted that while contractors were working in the plant nearby the spill site, "They followed all the rules and did everything right." What the chemical was used for at the facility is unknown.
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Additionally, Coca-Cola expressed regret to locals and employees "for any inconvenience this may have caused them," while reiterating that its "top priority is and always has been the safety of our people and the local residents."