UPDATE @ 4:48 p.m.:
The fire departments have cleared the scene at White Castle and workers were allowed back into the building.
UPDATE @ 3:16 p.m.:
An ammonia leak at White Castle’s manufacturing plant today was likely that of anhydrous ammonia, a dangerous chemical, said Rich Hopkins, spokesman with city of Vandalia.
“I believe that is precisely what leaked; it’s a major component of the refrigeration units they use,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins said there’s a “well-established protocol” for cleaning up that type of spill. The location has to be ventilated to allow the fumes to dissipate and then readings are taken to measure the parts per million in the air.
WATCH: Hazardous chemicals shrouded in secrecy
UPDATE @ 11:41 a.m.:
About 120 workers from the White Castle Manufacturing Plant are now enjoying a pizza party at a Vandalia recreational center while their plant is cleared after a small ammonia leak today, said Whitney Baker, quality assurance manager for Vandalia plant.
“Today we were made aware of a very small ammonia leak in our system,” Baker said, while an independent contractor was completing work.
The company was alerted by its alarm system and 124 team members were safely evacuated. Baker said the ammonia leak was contained to one room.
“There’s no food safety risk at this time; of course we will evaluate the product before we resume production,” Baker said.
Baker said the workers should be able to return to the building later today.
RELATED: Dayton Daily News investigation of hazardous chemicals stored at area plants
UPDATE @ 10:21 a.m.:
Police have blocked Capstone Way near the White Castle manufacturing plant following a reported ammonia leak this morning.
INITIAL REPORT:
Vandalia Fire and mutual aid response is out at White Castle Manufacturing Plant on Capstone Way today for a reported ammonia leak.
The call was first dispatched at 9:41 a.m. as a fire.
An ammonia leak is reported at the business and HAZMAT teams have been dispatched. The building has been evacuated.
We have a crew en route and will update this story.
