12 hospitalised after ammonia leak in ice plant at Munambam in Kochi

As many as 12 people were hospitalised after complaining of uneasiness and breathing difficulties following an ammonia leak at a private ice plant at Munambam here on Friday (June 5).

The leak, which occurred at the plant near the mini fishing harbour by noon, was brought under control by fire and rescue services personnel from North Paravur in an operation that lasted two hours.

The accident occurred as a slab from the sunshade of the building came off and fell over the ammonia receiver tank at the plant and damaged a valve, an officer with the fire station said. Liquid ammonia is a commonly used refrigerant in ice plants.

Three workers at the plant as well as some nearby residents reported breathing difficulties as the gas spread around. Some of them suffered a burning sensation in their eyes too. All of them were rushed to a primary health centre nearby, and a young woman with a history of asthma had to be shifted to the Taluk Hospital in Paravur. All of them were discharged by 6 p.m.

Pallippuram panchayat president E.K. Jayan said residents of houses behind the plant were affected the most. “Luckily, children were at school. Residents near the plant have been advised to stay elsewhere for a day as a precautionary step. The police and the Fire and Rescue Services department have suggested an emergency meeting to discuss better safety measures as the congested area houses several ice plants. An emergency exit towards the main road has to be ensured from the locality,” he said.

“Ammonia leaks are reported from ice plants occasionally. The frequency of such incidents had come down in recent years due to stricter compliance with safety norms,” a fire and rescue official said.

“As soon as the leakage occurred, teams of police and fire force as well as elected representatives and doctors from the primary health centre rushed to the spot. Ambulance facility was also arranged promptly,” an officer with the Munambam police said. He added that no case had been registered over the incident yet.