A hazardous situation unfolded at an ice cream parlor in Modesto on Thursday, resulting in the hospitalization of seven individuals following an ammonia leak.
The Modesto Fire Department swiftly reacted to reports of an ammonia leak at Paleteria La Michoacana on Lapham Drive, responding to the scene just before noon. Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered the premises evacuated, with multiple individuals experiencing respiratory irritation, presumably due to chemical exposure. In light of the number of affected individuals, authorities declared a multiple-casualty incident, underscoring the severity of the situation.
To mitigate the potential dangers posed by the leak, the Modesto Fire Department’s HAZMAT 4 unit, alongside a dedicated member of the HAZMAT team, promptly intervened to identify and contain the leak. While several individuals received immediate triage and treatment on-site, seven individuals necessitated transportation to a local hospital for further medical attention.
A coordinated effort involving nearly 30 firefighters deployed across 14 apparatus from Modesto and Stanislaus consolidated fire departments ensued. Additionally, the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources was on-site to provide support and expertise in managing the hazardous situation.
The incident underscores the critical role of emergency responders in swiftly addressing hazardous incidents to safeguard public health and safety. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the ammonia leak while emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety protocols in commercial establishments to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
