50 hospitalized in Aurora ammonia leak

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty residents of Barangay Esteves in Casiguran, Aurora were hospitalized following an ammonia leak from an ice plant on Tuesday night.

The victims complained of dizziness, headache and blurred vision, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Casiguran.

Investigation showed that the leak came from the open valves of two ammonia tanks at an ice plant at the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO).

Thirty-one families or 108 people who live near the ice plant were evacuated from their homes.

The BFP said APECO had been informed about the incident and is repairing the tanks and valves to control the leak.

On July 23, an ammonia leak from the same ice plant was reported, prompting the evacuation of affected villagers.