STATESVILLE, N.C. — On Saturday, officials in Iredell County said air monitoring outside a plant that leaked hazardous material on Friday showed levels "well below the threshold for concern" to area residents.
- An Iredell County plant reported an anhydrous ammonia leak Friday afternoon
- One person died at the scene, and another was taken to the hospital in critical condition
- Officials say air monitoring levels show no cause for concern to area residents at this time
Officials say the levels are also unlikely to cause any health issues.
On Friday, Iredell Emergency Communications received a call around 2 p.m. in reference to an anhysdrous ammonia leak inside Lineage Logistics on Taylorsville Highway. Officials say one plant employee was pronounced dead at the scene, and another was taken to Winston-Salem hospital in critical condition.
Following their exposure to the chemicals, officials say two Iredell County emergency responders were also evaluated as a precaution but were released early Friday evening.
HAZMAT crews are continuing to monitor conditions inside the plant and surrounding area. At this time, they say air monitoring levels show conditions below the threshold for concern to residents living in the area and should not pose any health risk. Officials say resident should however, continue to use caution and avoid the area.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anhydrous ammonia is a pungent gas with suffocating fumes that is used as a fertilizer.
