15 workers hospitalized after chemical leak in Texas warehouse

First responders from several agencies responded to a report of an ammonia leak in a Lancaster food warehouse

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1/EMS1

LANCASTER, Texas —Workers from a warehouse in Lancaster are recovering in hospitals after a chemical leak Monday that brought first responders from several agencies to the scene.

The initial call from the United Natural Foods (UNFI) distribution warehouse was for an ammonia leak, WFAA reported. The official substance has not been reported.

Hazmat crews from Lancaster, Ovilla, Grand Prairie, Cedar Hill and Glenn Heights responded to the warehouse. Fifteen workers were transported to hospitals for treatment. NBC DFW reported that 11 of the 15 were transported to Parkland Health in Dallas.

UNFI stated, "The safety of our associates is our top priority, and we are working closely with the fire department to assess the situation and determine when it is safe to open and return to the distribution center."