Ammonia explosion at Oregon seafood plant prompts evacuations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 21:56 · Archive

An explosion at Pacific Seafood in Newport, Oregon, released toxic ammonia fumes, prompting evacuation of all residents within a one-mile radius.

An explosion at Pacific Seafood processing plant in Newport, Oregon, on Sunday released toxic ammonia fumes across the coastal city. All residents within a one-mile radius of the facility on the Yaquina River were ordered to evacuate immediately, with the city establishing a shelter at Sam Case Elementary School. The evacuation shelter was later moved to a Lutheran Church due to safety concerns relating to ammonia contamination. Hundreds of people were evacuated, and residents were advised to stay indoors or wear a mask if venturing outside.

Ammonia is a colourless toxic substance that can cause irritation, burns, and damage to the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs upon exposure. The Oregon State Fire Marshal responded to the fire with hazmat teams due to the chemicals present at the plant. City spokesperson John Fuller said it remained unclear what had caused the explosion.

A Pacific Seafood spokesperson said in a statement that all employees were accounted for and the company was unaware of any injuries. Shelly Helm, a local estate agent, described the incident as 'heartbreaking', noting that the seafood facility was a significant employer in the city approximately 130 miles south-west of Portland.

How it is being reported

• Residents in coastal Oregon town urged to evacuate after plant fireResidents in a coastal Oregon town were urged to evacuate due to possible ammonia contamination after a fire at a seafood plant, officials said.UPI · 25 Oct, 21:24
• Ammonia tank explodes sending toxic fumes spreading over Oregon townFootage taken near Pacific Seafood in Newport, Oregon, showed a huge cloud of smoke rising from the plant located near the city's port on the Yaquina River.Metro · 25 Oct, 21:18

In this story: Pacific Seafood · Newport · Oregon · Yaquina River · Portland · Lincoln County Sheriff's Office · Oregon State Fire Marshal

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem