Twenty-nine workers at a Tennessee cheese factory were hospitalized on Wednesday morning following a leak of anhydrous ammonia. The incident occurred during maintenance on a valve at La Quesera Mexicana, prompting the Greeneville Fire Department to respond. Initially, six people were hospitalized, but the leak was quickly contained and fixed, certifying the scene as safe, according to Greeneville City Manager Todd Smith.
However, a second leak was reported later in the morning, resulting in an additional 23 people being hospitalized and 53 others being evaluated for possible illness. Anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous chemical, can cause lung irritation, eye and skin burns. At this time, officials are uncertain if both leaks originated from the same source, but the second leak has been repaired, ensuring no risk to the surrounding community.
In response to the incident, Ballad Health established incident command centers at Greeneville Community Hospital and Johnson City Medical Center to handle the influx of patients. Currently, 25 patients are receiving treatment within the health system. Medical staff are collaborating with emergency responders, including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, to ensure comprehensive care for the affected individuals.
The cause of the ammonia leak is still under investigation, and authorities are working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
