A Coca-Cola plant in Auburndale, Florida, was evacuated on March 15 after a chemical leaked from a 20,000-lb container.
According to officials, the tank, which has since been contained, started leaking ammonia around 10:15 a.m. where contractors were doing maintenance. Employees were quickly evacuated. A shelter-in-place order was also issued for those within two blocks of the plant.
In a statement, The Coca-Cola Company said, “Our first priority is always the safety of our people and nearby residents. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries to anyone at the facility or the nearby neighborhoods, and the leak was contained as quickly as possible. A few electrical employees working nearby did seek medical attention for minor eye and throat irritations.
“We apologize to the workers and area residents for the inconvenience this may have caused them, and we greatly appreciate the quick and effective response from the city and county emergency services teams.”
