" "Ammonia spill at Belfonte ice cream plant in KCMO; surrounding buildings evacuated." - @BrandonLRichard KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Thursday, July 7th 2016, 10:17 am EDTThursday, July 7th 2016, 11:04 am EDT
By Laura McCallister, Digital Producer
By Brandon Richard, News ReporterThe Belfonte Ice Cream plant, along with surrounding buildings, in Kansas City was evacuated Thursday morning due to an ammonia spill.
Fire crews on scene said there was an electric malfunction due to the power outage that was caused by severe weather. The malfunction happened about 7:04 a.m. and caused the ammonia spill at the plant, which is located at East Truman Road and Brooklyn Avenue. There were subsequent leaks.
Firefighters evacuated the plant as well as surrounding buildings, including a post office.
Those in the apartments across the street were told to shelter in place.
No one was hurt.
Battalion Chief James Garrett said they will need to ventilate the plant to get the ammonia to dissipate.
According to the department of health, exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. Skin or eye contact with concentrated ammonia can also cause irritation and burns.
By 9:30 a.m. the electric issues at the plant had been fixed. No ammonia had been released into the air, so workers were back on the job about 10 a.m.