A small ammonia leak at Creekstone Farms Premium Beef led to an evacuation of the large Arkansas City beef-processing plant late Tuesday, fire department officials said.
Emergency crews arrived at the plant around 11 p.m after receiving a report of a chemical leak. At least 50 to 60 people were led out of the building while the problem was addressed, said Fire Chief Randy Leach.
“Creekstone personnel wearing full protective gear were able to repair a valve,” he said. “Very little chemical had leaked out.”
At least one employee was thought to have inhaled some of the ammonia. That person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Leach said emergency personnel were on the scene for less than an hour.
“A maintenance worker identified the problem and did the right thing by contacting us,” he said. “Creekstone personnel had masks and equipment to do the work and did a good job. It’s what happens when you have well trained staff.”
Ammonia leaks are potentially serious because large quantities of vapor can be fatal and a liquid spill can cause burns, Leach said.
A Creekstone spokesperson was not immediately available for comment this morning.