max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Seven people, one in critical condition, have been sent to area hospitals following an ammonia leak at the J.T. Inman Company on Tuesday, July 30.
Fire Chief Christopher Coleman and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine report that the North Attleborough Fire Department responded to a Tier 2 hazardous materials incident at a business in the North Attleborough Industrial Park earlier Tuesday.
At approximately 10 a.m., the Fire Department was dispatched to J.T. Inman Company at 31 Larsen Way, for a report of an ammonia leak, according to a statement by the department.
All workers were able to safely exit the building before firefighters arrived. Out of an abundance of caution, two other businesses located next to J.T. Inman were also evacuated. Following containment of the leak, the building was turned over to the tenant and will remain closed until further notice.
Seven workers sustained injuries and were transported via ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. One patient was transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition with non-life-threatening injuries. No firefighters sustained any injuries.
According to the statement, Coleman requested a Tier 1 HazMat response, and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS) Hazmat Response Team was called in to investigate. Upon their arrival, the Hazmat Response Team elevated the response to a Tier 2.
While working to mitigate the leak, emergency crews shut off access to an exterior tank that was believed to be the source of the ammonia leak. The leak was contained to the inside of the building. Hazmat crews also monitored the outside perimeter of the building to ensure there was no threat to the public.
The Police Department closed the road while first responders were on scene but has since reopened it.
A preliminary investigation indicates that a line connected to a 1,000-gallon ammonia tank that was believed to be empty was cut, resulting in ammonia dispersing into the building.
The cause and origin remain under investigation by the Fire Department, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, local Board of Health, Building Department and Department of Public Works also responded to the scene.
Mutual aid was provided by the Plainville, Attleboro, Mansfield, Foxboro, Seekonk, Norfolk, Norton and Cumberland, Rhode Island fire departments, as well as the DFS State Hazmat Response Team, Mansfield MEMA Rehab, Providence Canteen and DFS State Rehab Unit. Station coverage was provided by the Wrentham, Easton and Cumberland fire departments.
