Ammonia Gas Leak in Udon Thani City Center: A Dramatic Rescue

On October 26, 2024, a hazardous ammonia gas leak occurred at an ice factory in Udon Thani city center, leaving six workers trapped inside.

At 6 pm, Rescue Center 1669 received a distress call from a villager who reported a strong smell of ammonia gas emanating from the ice factory, located on Soi Adulyadej in Udon Thani Municipality. The authorities swiftly responded by coordinating with Muang Udon Thani Police Station and alerting the Udon Thani Dhamma Promotion Relief Department, as well as officials from the disaster relief and Udon Thani Municipality.

Upon arrival, the rescuers requested the cooperation of nearby residents, asking them to close the street for safety reasons and to prevent accidents caused by the potential ammonia gas leak. The rescuers then used a megaphone to inform drivers passing through Soi Adulyadet to take an alternative route due to the hazardous situation.

The officers, wearing protective suits, entered the ice factory and successfully closed the gas tank valve, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. They also managed to rescue the six trapped workers, bringing them to safety.

Residents of nearby villages recounted their terrifying experience, describing the moment they detected the ammonia smell. “I could hardly breathe, and my whole body was burning,” one resident said. “I immediately ran out of the house and called 1669, reporting the incident and learning that workers were trapped inside the ice factory. I consider myself lucky to have reported the incident, and I’m grateful that the officers arrived promptly, closing the valve and preventing a community crisis.”

The swift response of the authorities and the cooperation of the residents averted a potential disaster, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.