Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ammonia Leak at North Kingstown Food Plant Hospitalizes 13, Two Critically

Investigators are probing a suspected roof‑valve failure that pulled ammonia vapor into the building.

Overview

  • An anhydrous ammonia release occurred around 6 p.m. Thursday at the Infinity Fresh Kitchen/Taylor Farms facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
  • Thirteen workers were hospitalized, with two in critical or serious condition after reporting eye and throat irritation from vapor exposure.
  • Hazmat teams ventilated the plant and DEXON crews decontaminated workers as officials confirmed the release involved vapor rather than liquid ammonia.
  • A facility technician shut down the ammonia refrigeration system, which officials said meant a full evacuation was not required.
  • The incident follows a 2023 EPA and Justice Department settlement requiring Taylor Farms to pay $650,000 and make safety upgrades after a 2020 ammonia release at the same site.