Ammonia Gas Leak at Yeongdeungpo Lotte Factory; No Injuries Reported

An ammonia gas leak occurred at the Lotte Wellfood factory near Seonyudo Station in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, early on Tuesday morning.

The incident was reported around 5:30 a.m. on May 21, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Approximately 40 factory workers present at the time evacuated the building on their own accord. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as a result of the leak.

Following the report, Yeongdeungpo District Office issued a disaster alert via text message, advising residents to turn off air conditioners and stay indoors due to the potential for odor. Drivers were also urged to avoid the area. Fire and police officials quickly moved to secure the scene, shutting off the main valve of the ammonia pipeline within the factory and restricting access to the surrounding area.

Initial measurements of gas concentration around the site indicated that no ammonia had escaped the factory premises. Fire authorities are currently investigating the precise cause of the leak, which is believed to have originated from an external pipe on the second floor of the building housing the ice cream production facilities. The investigation aims to determine how the leak occurred and prevent future incidents.