Ammonia leak at food processing plant leads to nearby concert evacuation

HOUSTON – An ammonia leak at a food processing plant lead to a concert nearby ending early and the venue's evacuation, according to a band manager.

The Houston Fire Department and Houston police started receiving numerous calls around 10:30 p.m. Friday about a strong chemical smell around BBVA Compass Stadium.

HFD spent around 30 minutes trying to track down the odor's source and found a security guard who waved them down at the Freeman Meats warehouse.

A manager for a band playing at Warehouse Live, which is nearby the food processing plant, told Channel 2 the building was evacuated about three-fourths into the band's performance.

According to investigators, one of the pipes for the cooling system cracked and leaked ammonium. The smell was carried for 10 blocks.

There were no injuries and no one was taken to the hospital.

The leak was plugged and the building was ventilated.


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