Thursday, May 28, 2015

10 WORKERS HOSPITALIZED AFTER AMMONIA GAS LEAK AT THE AGRIUM INC. PLANT IN BORGER, TEXAS




MAY 28, 2015

BORGER, TEXAS (AP)

Ten people were taken to hospitals after an ammonia gas leak at a chemical plant in the Texas Panhandle.

The incident happened about 4:15 p.m. Thursday at the Agrium Inc. plant in Borger, about 40 miles northeast of Amarillo.

Borger police Lt. Brandon Strope says the 10 people, all employees, were taken to Panhandle hospitals by ambulance and helicopter. He also says plant officials say the gas release is contained and poses no danger to the surrounding community.

Plant manager Gill Craig says of the 10 taken to nearby Golden Plains Community Hospital, two were transferred to Northwest Texas Healthcare System hospital in Amarillo in stable condition. 

It was unclear if the other eight workers were admitted to Golden Plains. A message left with its spokeswoman Thursday night wasn't returned.

STATEMENT FROM THE AGRIUM, INC. MANAGEMENT

Borger, Texas ammonia leak Incident Update

May 28, 2015

Agrium experienced a small ammonia release at its Borger, Texas nitrogen facility this afternoon that has impacted some of our contract workers on site. 

At approximately 4:15 pm Central Time, an ammonia pump leaked while being prepared for the restart of operations.  We were able to quickly secure the situation with no impact on the local community. Thirteen workers were exposed, and 10 have been transported to the hospital for evaluation. 

The workers impacted were working on the construction area of the facility at the north end of the site. Plant operations personnel are working with the state police, local fire department and regulatory agencies to deem the plant safe and reopen the local roads.

We will update you as soon as we are apprised of the condition of the impacted workers.

Our thoughts are with the injured workers and their families.