SHAH ALAM: Two workers were killed in an ammonia leak mishap at an ice factory in Desa Latania early this morning.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director of operations Mohd Rizal Buang said 18 others, comprising of workers and nearby residents, were reported to be safe.
Rizal said the department received a distress call at 5.12am and a team of 15 firefighters, made up of officers and personnel from the Shah Alam station, were deployed to the scene at Jalan Nagasari.
The Hazardous Materials Unit (Hazmat) members were also rushed to the ice factory.
Rizal added that the source of the ammonia leak has been contained.
The victims' bodies have been taken to the Tengku Ampuan Rahiman Hospital in Klang for post mortem
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that authorities were working on identifying the victims, so far said to be Indian nationals.
“The two workers were believed to have inhaled the ammonia gas which leaked from a tank while conducting routine work.
“The others suffered breathing difficulties, vomiting and eye irritation due to being exposed to the high ammonia content which is of 500 ppm (parts per million) compared to the normal reading of 50 ppm and below,” said Section 15 Shah Alam Fire and Rescue Station chief Azmel Kamarudin to Bernama.
Azmel said upon arrival at the scene, the Hazmat team ordered residents within a three kilometre radius of the ice factory to vacate their respective houses and buildings.
A Chinese school located in front of the factory was also advised to close today for safety reasons, he said.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, in a statement, said the state government viewed seriously the incident and had instructed the Shah Alam City Council and the relevant quarters to take necessary action to ensure safety of residents in the surrounding areas.