Ice-making employee dead after Kamloops ammonia leak
An employee from an ice-making business has died after an ammonia leak in Kamloops, according to fire officials.
Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cail said the employee was a man believed to be in his 60s. Two other people managed to escape when the gas was discharged.
“There was a malfunction with an ammonia bottle, a valve was dislodged broke or malfunction. We’re unaware of how it was discharged but a large amount of ammonia was released within the facilities,” explained Cail.
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A spokesperson with BC Emergency Health Services had previously said one person was taken to the hospital in critical condition and two others were stable. They said six other patients were assessed at the scene.
A hazmat team and the RCMP responded to the leak at an ice packaging facility in Mount Paul Industrial Park. It was reported at about 10:30 a.m.
This leak has prompted the closure of a number of nearby streets.
Please avoid the area to allow crews to do their work. Updates will be posted to social media.
— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) May 26, 2022
The City is advising the public to clear the area.
Kamloops Fire and Rescue reported one person was pulled out of the building.
@KamFire hazmat crews are on scene monitoring in place. Please avoid the area around Carrier St. Crews pulled 1 person from building in critical condition.
— Kamloops Fire Rescue (@KamFire) May 26, 2022
Interior Health is urging people with non-urgent needs to avoid going to Royal Inland Hospital’s emergency department amid the current situation.
