A chemical leak at a Tennessee cheese factory resulted in at least 28 people being hospitalized on Wednesday, following a malfunction in the valves at the La Quesera Mexicana, LLC facility. The incident prompted a swift response from the Greeneville fire department, dispatched after receiving a call at 7:15 a.m.
Greeneville, a town with a population of over 15,000 people situated approximately 70 miles from Knoxville, became the focal point of the emergency response efforts. City manager Todd Smith provided details during a press briefing held on Wednesday, shedding light on the unfolding situation.
Initially, six employees were rushed to the hospital after exposure to anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous gas known to cause irritation and burns to the skin, mouth, throat, lungs, and eyes, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The authorities traced the leak to a broken valve on the exterior of the building, a malfunction that was promptly addressed on-site, according to Greeneville fire chief Alan Shipley’s statement to USA TODAY.
However, the crisis took a turn nearly three hours later when a second 911 call from the factory reported a separate leak. This subsequent incident led to at least 22 more individuals being sent to the hospital, while an additional 53 employees underwent examination for potential exposure symptoms.
While assuring the public that there was no imminent risk to safety, the fire department urged locals to steer clear of the affected area. By approximately 1:30 p.m., the gas had been successfully cleared from the site, providing a sense of relief to the community, as communicated by Shipley.
Despite the efforts to manage the situation, the fire department remains uncertain about the root cause of the two leaks. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, with the factory owners actively participating in efforts to identify the source and address any potential vulnerabilities in the facility’s chemical handling systems.
The gravity of the situation underscores the potential hazards associated with industrial chemical processes and the critical importance of robust safety measures in preventing such incidents. The swift response from emergency services, coupled with the collaboration between local authorities and the cheese factory’s management, played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the chemical leaks.
As the investigations unfold, there will likely be a heightened focus on safety protocols and preventive measures within industrial facilities that handle hazardous chemicals. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring the well-being of workers and the surrounding community when dealing with potentially dangerous substances.