Meatworks evacuated after ammonia leak

The Affco meatworks in Wanganui was evacuated this morning after a poisonous gas leak.

Wanganui Fire District chief fire officer Kevin Smith said ammonia began leaking from a valve about 8.15am.

"The gas, the ammonia, was right next to a ventilation unit which spread it right throughout that particular area of the building, which didn't help," he said.

Mr Smith said the leak initiated an alarm within the system and the emergency was handled very well.

"They evacuated the building straight away, so that was well done."

The fire service, together with plant engineers, isolated the leak and ventilated the building.

"It's all dealt to, all over," he said.

It was estimated about 100 workers were evacuated as the plant was in full operation.

There had been an early report that someone was affected by the ammonia but it proved to be unfounded, he said.

The plant was now back in operation.

- NZPA