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180 workers evacuated, 1 hurt in ammonia leak
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More from Local NewsAbout 180 employees of an onion processing plant in Oxnard were evacuated and one required medical care Monday night after an ammonia leak.
Oxnard Fire Department spokeswoman Deborah Shane said the leak of ammonia, being used as a refrigerant, was reported shortly after 8 p.m. at Gills Onions, 1051 S. Pacific Ave. The leak was secured by 10:44 p.m., Shane said.
A plant supervisor who detected the leak was taken to the hospital, but he was in the process of being released Monday night, plant manager Fernando Luna said.
The other employees were taken to a building near the plant.
The company did not permit interviews of employees, but Luna said that the workers were in good condition.
Authorities said there was no danger to the surrounding area.
The incident resulted in the closure of Mountain View Avenue from Richmond Avenue on the west to Rose Avenue on the east, and the closure of Pacific Avenue from Fifth Street on the north to Wooley Road on the south.
Gills Onions processes and distributes fresh onion products.
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