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Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway

Introducing the Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway. An ammonia leak incident at an ice factory near Midway International Airport in Chicago has raised concerns and prompted immediate response from local authorities. The incident occurred at Home City Ice, previously known as Lang Ice Company, located on 3600 W. 59th St. As the plume of ammonia became visible, fire crews at a firehouse across the street quickly detected the pungent smell, signaling the severity of the situation. The incident has surprised many, as the ice factory has been operating for over three decades without such a mishap. While there have been no reports of injuries inside the plant, the situation required a strategic approach to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community. As the investigation into the cause of the ammonia leak is underway, For comprehensive news coverage and the latest updates on this incident and other significant events, visit dogoloicohaiminh.com.vn, your reliable source for timely and accurate news in Vietnam and around the world.

Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway
Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway

I. Introduction Ammonia Leak In Chicago


An ammonia leak at an ice company in the Southwest Side of Chicago prompted a hazmat response on Thursday morning. Residents in the affected neighborhoods near 59th street and Pulaski were advised to stay indoors for their safety. Chicago fire officials quickly responded to the incident to address the leak and prevent any potential harm.

Fortunately, the ammonia leak has been stopped, and the shelter-in-place order for the Southwest Side neighborhoods has been lifted. Residents in the area can now leave their homes safely. However, as a precautionary measure, the ice factory remains evacuated while first responders work to air out the space.

The incident underscores the importance of prompt emergency response and preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and workers in the affected area. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure there are no further risks to the community.

As this is an ongoing situation, it’s crucial for residents and the public to stay updated on the latest developments through dogoloicohaiminh.com.vn reliable news sources and updates from local authorities.

Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway
Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway

II. Shelter in place lifted, ‘all clear’ issued after ‘major ammonia leak’ at Ice factory near Midway


The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and an “all clear” has been issued following a major ammonia leak at an ice factory near Chicago’s Midway International Airport. The incident, which occurred at Home City Ice, formerly known as Lang Ice Company, on 3600 W. 59th St., led to street closures and health concerns.

The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) responded to a call about a smell of ammonia at the factory at approximately 4:30 a.m. Crews detected the strong ammonia smell and, considering its potential impacts on the respiratory system, issued a “level two hazmat” response, as explained by Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.

Ammonia can pose risks to the respiratory system and cause surface burns, and as a precautionary measure, emergency crews went door-to-door conducting wellness checks and asked residents in the affected area to stay indoors and shelter in place. The decision to not evacuate the geographic area was based on the number of people residing there.

Due to heat and humidity, dispersing the ammonia smell proved challenging. Nevertheless, fire crews managed to enter the factory safely and activate exhaust fans while shutting down valves to stop the leak. Crews also opened fire hydrants to flood streets and sewers in an effort to dissipate the ammonia.

By around 7:30 a.m., the CFD reported that ammonia readings had decreased, and the leak had been successfully stopped. Subsequently, at approximately 7:40 a.m., officials issued the “all clear” for the affected neighborhood, indicating that it was safe for residents to resume normal activities.

As the situation has been resolved, it remains crucial for residents to stay vigilant and heed further instructions from local authorities for any updates or additional safety measures.

Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway
Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway

III. An ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in the Southwest Side of Chicago


IV. Chemical leak: Anhydrous Ammonia Hazmat response Chemical spill in West Elsdon Chicago suburb


1. Ammonia leak at SW Side business prompts Chicago Fire Department hazmat response

“Our biggest goal is make sure that the community was safe when we made decisions, whether it was to shelter in place or have people evacuated,” Haines said during the press conference, adding that the area is “densely populated.”

Fire crews said they were safely able to get inside Home City Ice and shut off the valve.

“We don’t actually know exactly how it started,” CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said. “We got the call so that’s an investigation that will have to be conducted not by us, but by another agency 26:55

Fire officials said someone called 911 after a strong smell of ammonia at around 4:30 a.m. in the 3600-block of West 59th Street.

2.  Hazmat situation In response to the potential risks posed by the ammonia leak

During the incident of the major ammonia leak at the ice factory, the situation quickly escalated as fire crews at a firehouse across the street also detected the strong smell of ammonia in the air. The plume of ammonia was visibly billowing from the plant, prompting the Chicago Fire Department to declare a level two hazmat response and close streets for several blocks.

In response to the potential risks posed by the ammonia leak, area residents were advised to shelter in place for their safety. Fire officials, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), conducted door-to-door wellness checks to ensure residents’ well-being and instructed them to shut their windows to minimize exposure.

The ice factory, known as “Home City Ice” and formerly called Lang Ice, produces cubed and block ice. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the factory workers as they had self-evacuated the building prior to the arrival of the fire department.

The incident came as a surprise to local representatives and residents, as the company had been operating for over 30 years without such an incident. The extreme weather conditions on that particular day, with high heat and humidity levels, contributed to the danger of the ammonia leak, which can cause severe eye and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and burns.

As the situation unfolded, some residents were unaware of the leak until emergency responders arrived. The authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the ammonia leak.

ABC7 has attempted to contact Home City Ice for a statement on the incident but has not received a response yet. Further updates and information will likely be provided as the investigation progresses.

Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway
Ammonia leak at SW Side business prompts Chicago Fire Department hazmat response

V. Ammonia Spill In Beach Park


An ammonia spill in north suburban Beach Park has forced nearby residents to stay inside, and prompted the local school district to cancel all classes for the day.

VI. Definition of Ammonia and Hazards Ammonia lake county cbs chicago


1. Definition of Ammonia

Ammonia, with the chemical formula NH3, is a colorless gas with a pungent smell. It is composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. Ammonia is commonly used in various industrial processes, refrigeration systems, and agricultural applications, such as in the production of fertilizers.

2. Hazards Ammonia

  • Respiratory Irritation: Ammonia is highly irritating to the respiratory system. Inhalation of the gas can cause irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
  • Eye Irritation: Exposure to ammonia can result in eye irritation, causing redness, tearing, and a burning sensation.
  • Skin Irritation: Ammonia can also irritate the skin upon direct contact, leading to redness and possible skin burns.
  • Inhalation Toxicity: High concentrations of ammonia in the air can be toxic, affecting the central nervous system and leading to dizziness, headache, and confusion. Prolonged exposure to high levels of ammonia can be life-threatening.
  • Burns: Ammonia can cause both interior and exterior surface burns when in contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.
  • Environmental Impact: Ammonia released into the environment can contribute to air and water pollution, potentially harming ecosystems and aquatic life.
  • Given these hazards, proper handling, storage, and use of ammonia are crucial to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the environment. Emergency responders must take necessary precautions and protective measures when dealing with ammonia leaks or spills to minimize the risks to human health and the surroundings.
Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway
Ammonia Leak In Chicago at Ice factory near Midway
“Please note that all information presented in this article has been sourced from various outlets, including wikipedia.org and several news publications. While we have made every effort to verify all information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and 100% verification of all the details mentioned. Therefore, we advise caution when referencing this article or using it as a source in your own research or reports.”

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