JBS investigates small ammonia leak

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WORTHINGTON — The Worthington Fire Department, Worthington Rescue, three Worthington Ambulances and the local police department responded to a small ammonia leak 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at JBS.

According to JBS spokesperson Chandler Keys, some contractors were working on the plant’s roof-top refrigeration unit when ammonia leaked out and a small amount was sucked into the ventilation system.

Five people working in the area were evacuated and transported to Sanford Regional Hospital Worthington, where they were observed and later released. All were told they could have the remainder of the day off, but three of them returned to work at the plant, Keys said.

Keys said the ammonia leak was reported by the workers on the roof, and that workers inside the plant had not reported any issues.

JBS is conducting an investigation regarding what exactly happened and how it happened to prevent future ammonia leaks.

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