Current:Home > ScamsChemical leaks at cheese factory send dozens of people to the hospital -ProsperityStream Academy
Chemical leaks at cheese factory send dozens of people to the hospital
View
Date:2025-04-12 10:43:15
Chemical leaks at a Tennessee cheese factory sent at least 28 people to the hospital on Wednesday after valves at the factory malfunctioned.
The fire department in Greeneville was dispatched to the La Quesera Mexicana, LLC cheese factory in response to a call received at 7:15 a.m., Greeneville city manager Todd Smith said at a press briefing on Wednesday. Greeneville is a town of over 15,000 people around 70 miles from Knoxville.
Six employees were initially sent to the hospital after authorities determined they had been exposed to anhydrous ammonia, a dangerous gas that can irritate and burn the skin, mouth, throat, lungs and eyes, according to the CDC. Authorities determined that the leak came from a broken valve on the outside of the building that was fixed on site, Greeneville fire chief Alan Shipley told USA TODAY.
But nearly three hours after the first call, another 911 call from the factory reported a second, separate leak that sent at least 22 more people to the hospital, Shipley said. An additional 53 employees were also checked for symptoms of exposure.
The fire department announced there was no risk to the public, but asked locals to stay away from the area. By around 1:30 p.m., the site was successfully cleared of the gas, Shipley said.
Shipley said the Fire Department is not certain what caused the two leaks, but the factory owners were investigating.
veryGood! (69)
Related
- Chief beer officer for Yard House: A side gig that comes with a daily swig.
- Boy trapped and killed after a truck crashes into river in Colorado, sheriff says
- U.K. police investigate spear phishing sexting scam as lawmaker admits to sharing colleagues' phone numbers
- These numbers don't lie. South Carolina has chance to be greatest undefeated women's team
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- How to watch the solar eclipse on TV: What to know about live coverage and broadcast info
- Jelly Roll Reveals Why His Private Plane Had to Make an Emergency Landing
- French diver Alexis Jandard slips during Paris Olympic aquatics venue opening ceremony
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Cole Brings Plenty, 1923 actor, found dead in Kansas days after being reported missing
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Total solar eclipse 2024: Watch livestream of historic eclipse from path of totality
- Tiera Kennedy Shares “Crazy” Experience Working With Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter
- Engine covering falls off Boeing plane, strikes wing flap during Southwest Airlines flight Denver takeoff
- Report: Lauri Markkanen signs 5-year, $238 million extension with Utah Jazz
- Campbell “Pookie” Puckett and Jett Puckett Prove Their Red Carpet Debut Is Fire at CMT Music Awards
- When does Purdue and UConn play in March Madness? Breaking down the NCAA Tournament title game
- Hannah Montana's Emily Osment Shares Heavenly Secret About Working With Dolly Parton
Recommendation
Tropical rains flood homes in an inland Georgia neighborhood for the second time since 2016
Cole Brings Plenty, 1923 actor, found dead in Kansas days after being reported missing
'Quiet on Set' new episode: Former 'All That' actor Shane Lyons says Brian Peck made 'passes' at him
NCAA president addresses officiating, prop bets and 3-point line correction
Messi injury update: Ankle 'better every day' but Inter Miami star yet to play Leagues Cup
March Madness bracket predictions: National championship picks for the 2024 NCAA Tournament
'Just married!': Don Lemon, Tim Malone share wedding pics
'Quiet on Set' new episode: Former 'All That' actor Shane Lyons says Brian Peck made 'passes' at him