Timaru factory gas leak puts eight in hospital after ammonia exposure

A gas leak in Timaru led to the hospitalisation of eight people. Photo / NZME

By RNZ

About eight people have been taken to hospital in Timaru after a gas leak at a factory in Washdyke.

Fire and Emergency was called to the ammonia leak after 9.30pm on Thursday in Meadows Rd.

Eight crews and a specialist hazard command unit worked with engineers to lower pressure in the system and decontaminate the area.

Before ambulance crews arrived, fire crews gave oxygen to people from the factory.

Crews left the scene at 2.15am today after sealing the leak.

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