WALWORTH COUNTY -- Authorities say 15 people were taken to the hospital after an ammonia leak at a Birds Eye food plant in the Town of Darien.
The Dairen Fire Department responded to a reported ammonia leak inside the facility around 5:15 a.m. Sunday.
According to the Walworth's County Sheriff's Office, 15 employees were medically transported to a nearby pre-designated triage area local area hospitals, and 75 employees were medically evaluated and released at the scene.
Hazmat situation at Birds Eye Foods in Darien, Wi. Company statement below: The safety of our employees is our top priority and focus right now. Several employees have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. No further details are available at this time. @tmj4 pic.twitter.com/BH5J05jfyz
— Brandon Rook (@RookReports) July 29, 2018
Janice Monahan, a representative from Pinnacle Foods/Birds Eye, issued the following statement on the incident:
“There is a situation involving a hazardous material in our plant in Darien, WI. The safety of our employees is our top priority and focus right now. Several employees have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. No further details are available at this time”.
The facility reports that the EPA has been notified as required and OSHA is also being notified.
The Sheriff's Office says there is no danger to area residents and they can continue with their normal daily activities and all roads around the facility are open for travel.
No other information has been released at this time.
Stay with TODAY'S TMJ4 for further updates on this developing story.
