Residents Sue Cold-Storage Facility Over Ammonia Leak
More than 135 residents have sued a cold-storage facility where a toxic ammonia gas leak last summer forced the evacuation of nearly 1,000 people.
The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court on Monday against Christian Salvesen Inc. at 375 S. Cypress St., from which noxious fumes escaped Aug. 7.
Investigators and fire officials said the accident occurred when a gauge broke off a pipe connected to an ammonia tank used in refrigeration, causing about 100 gallons of the liquid to leak. Exposed to air, the chemical forms a gaseous cloud.
Nine people, including three Anaheim firefighters, were treated for breathing problems, nausea and other ailments. More than 300 residents spent the night at an emergency shelter.
Residents were allowed to return to their homes the next morning.
The warehouse stores frozen and other chilled foods for major manufacturers and retailers.
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