An explosion involving an ammonia tank has occurred at the Pacific Seafood processing plant in Newport, Oregon, U.S.
Sea-news.az reports citing KLCC, that the event caused a partial roof collapse at the facility and created a risk of a toxic ammonia leak.
Authorities have issued an evacuation order for residents and facility personnel located within approximately a 1.6-kilometer radius of the plant.
The fire broke out on Sunday, with initial reports received at 08:51 local time. Roughly 40 firefighters and hazardous materials specialists were dispatched to contain the blaze. Police have blocked access routes leading to the city’s waterfront district.
According to the outlet, smoke and noxious odors have spread across Newport. Due to worsening environmental conditions, the emergency evacuation center was relocated from Sam Case Elementary School to a local Lutheran church.
Furthermore, evacuation protocols were expanded to include Newport port facilities, a campground along the south shore of Yaquina Bay, and the local marina.
Officials have also ordered the closure of the Hatfield Marine Science Center and a stretch of commercial establishments running north along the coastline.
