Thirteen people were hospitalized in Southern California after a hazmat leak occurred at a company, authorities said.
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) said in press release on X that Buena Park firefighters, as well as hazardous materials units, were dispatched to an office building in the 6500 block of Cabellero Boulevard on Friday.
The hazard — which OCFA later identified as an ammonia leak — was reported shortly before 9:15 a.m., OCFA told ABC News and CBS News in a statement.
The department added that crews were able to “isolate the area” and “treat people exposed” to the danger.
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The incident affected more than twenty people. OCFA he reported on Friday that 11 company employees were treated by paramedics and transported to nearby hospitals in stable condition. Twelve employees also had to be decontaminated, authorities said.
Along with the tweet, OCFA shared a photo of three members of the hazardous materials unit in silver and orange hazmat suits walking into the building with wheeled carts of supplies. Each wore a large silver face shield, covering their heads and necks.
In a news release Friday night, the department said a a total of 13 people were taken to the hospital, and one person was treated on the spot and released home.
An Orange County Fire Department crew is entering the building.
OCFireAuthority/X
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“Firefighters continued efforts to contain the ammonia leak throughout the day and were eventually able to contain it,” OCFA said in a statement.
While crews worked in the area, they advised the public to “avoid using” Caballero Boulevard.
OCFA did not say how the leak could have occurred, but noted that it is investigating the incident.
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Exposure to high levels of ammonia in the air can cause irritation to the face, eyes, skin, throat and lungs, as well as coughing and burns, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, exposure to ammonia can be fatal.
Other symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, skin pain and redness, blisters, and permanent or temporary blindness.
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