SAMUT PRAKAN: Hundreds of workers fled to safety when a chicken processing plant caught fire and leaked ammonia in Bang Sao Thong district early on Thursday morning.
The fire was reported about 1am at the 20-rai chicken butchery operated by McKey Food Services (Thailand) Co on Thepharak Road in tambon Bang Sao Thong.
The blaze began in the plant's cold storage facility on the second floor.
At least 10 fire engines and crews were deployed to the scene and took about two hours to bring the situation under control.
Ammonia leaked from the refrigeration unit and rescuers gave first aid to many employees, who suffered dizziness and vomiting. About 500 workers were on the overnight shift.
Workers said they heard an explosion from the cold storage room, and then the smell of ammonia quickly filled the building. They rushed outside to safety as the second floor was rapidly engulfed in flames .
Police were investigating the cause of the fire.