Overview
- An anhydrous ammonia release around 6 p.m. Thursday at a North Kingstown food-processing facility prompted a hazmat response and building ventilation.
- State environmental officials reported 15 hospitalizations as other outlets cited 13 or 16, and at least two patients were described as in serious or critical condition.
- A facility technician shut down the system, and authorities said that step meant nearby areas did not need to be evacuated.
- Several people reported eye and throat irritation, and the local fire chief said the release was vapor rather than liquid.
- The cause remains under investigation, with a preliminary focus on the plant’s refrigeration system and the official patient count subject to updates.