An ammonia leak and subsequent fire engulfed a cold storage facility in Navotas City on Tuesday morning, resulting in the loss of a minor's life and the urgent transportation of 22 individuals to nearby hospitals.
Authorities are currently investigating whether the tragic death of a sixteen-year-old at MCU Hospital was a result of an ammonia leak or a pre-existing condition.
Mr. Von Villanueva, the head of the Navotas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), reported that the explosion occurred within the Icy Point Cold Storage and Processing Company located on Naval Street in Lapu-Lapu, Navotas City.
The explosion was accompanied by a sudden outbreak of fire, reaching a critical third alarm and emitting a distinct odor of ammonia.
Navotas City Congressman Toby Tiangco provided insights into the sequence of events. He explained that the initial response was focused on the ammonia leak, prompting the immediate evacuation of individuals within a 200-meter radius.
"Una ammonia leak pa lang, so ang immediate response nila ay ipa-evacaute 'yung mga tao within 200 meters, tapos madali naman nakaresponde. Tapos mga alas dose nagkaroon ng sunog," he recounted to reporters.
"'Yung sunog ay sa loob mismo ng cold storage. Based on my recollection, unang beses dito nagkaroon ng sunog sa Icy Point," he added.
As a result, several individuals experienced fainting spells and dizziness, necessitating their immediate transfer to medical facilities. While some individuals voluntarily sought medical attention, they were quickly discharged as their conditions were deemed stable.
Currently, the city health department continues to monitor the condition of the 22 affected individuals who are still experiencing severe symptoms related to the intense ammonia odor and bouts of nausea.
Eleven individuals have been admitted to Tondo Medical Center, while the remaining eleven are receiving treatment at Navotas City Hospital.
As a precautionary measure, affected residents have been temporarily relocated to a nearby barangay, while the approximately 400 employees of the cold storage facility are not allowed to enter the premises due to the absence of water and electricity and a lingering ammonia scent.
