CHEMICAL LEAK SEES 5 TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
‘Ammonia’ incident at 2 Sisters plant sparks evacuation and major emergency response
FIVE people were taken to hospital after an ammonia leak sparked a major emergency at a meat-processing plant.
Emergency services were called to the 2 Sisters plant in Llangefni at around 10am on Monday after several staff members fell ill as a result of the leak.
The company confirmed that five people were taken to hospital for treatment.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm that there was an ammonia leak at our Llangefni factory this morning.
“Colleague safety is our number one priority, the factory was evacuated as per emergency protocols and the fire brigade and ambulance service quickly attended. The fire brigade advised when the building was safe to re-enter and they have now left the site.
“Five colleagues have been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The factory is now operating as normal.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said four crews were sent to deal with the emergency.
A spokesman said: “Two crews from Holyhead, the environmental protection unit from Holyhead and a crew from Bangor were called to a meat processing factory on the Industrial Estate Road, Llangefni at 10.07am to deal with a suspected ammonia leak.
“Nine casualties were treated at the scene and five have now been taken to hospital by colleagues from the Welsh Ambulance Service for further treatment.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 9.14am this morning to Industrial Estate Road, Llangefni to reports of persons needing medical attention following exposure to a noxious fume or chemical.
“We attended scene with two rapid response vehicles and three emergency ambulances.
“Four patients were treated on scene and a further four were conveyed to Ysbyty Gwynedd for further treatment.”
North Wales Police said they were made aware of the incident, but were not required to attend.
A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: “HSE is aware of the incident and is making enquiries.”
MS, Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “My immediate concern, of course, is for the wellbeing of those affected.
“I wish them well for a full recovery, and I’m grateful to the emergency services for their response.
“I will now be contacting 2 Sisters to learn more about the circumstances, and the measures that will now be put in place to ensure the safety of all those working at the plant and in the community.”
No further updates on the condition of the affected workers were available before the Mail went to press yesterday.