NARATHIWAT - An ammonia leak at an ice factory in Tak Bai district that forced the evacuation of nearby residents early on Wednesday was finally sealed 11 hours later by factory technicians.
Gas began pouring from the leak at the Phet Mankhong ice factory in tambon Jaehae around 3am, sparking panic as the smell crept into households nearby.
Tak Bai district chief Sangkhom Korkerd ordered the evacuation of residents to Wat Thanakorn as fear spread they might inhale the toxic gas.
Technicians at the factory battled to close off the leak. They shut all valves and used vacuum pumps to suck the gas from the pipes to storage containers. The leak was finally stopped about 1pm. No injuries were reported.
They later replaced old pipes which were found to have developed cracks with new ones. The ice-making factory, run by Watcharin Promphet, was expected to resume operation on Wednesday night.
Residents returned unharmed to their homes after the leak was contained.
Residents are evacuated following the ammonia leak at an ice factory in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat on Wednesday. (Photo by Waedao Harai)
The Phet Mankhong ice factory in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat is cordoned off with police tape while technicians inside battle to seal the ammonia leak. (Photo by Waedao Harai)