2 killed, 3 injured in ammonia plant leak

Two people were killed and three others injured in an ammonia leak at a Petronas plant in Sipitang, Sabah this morning. Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad confirmed the incident at 9.30 am at the Petronas Chemicals Fertiliser Sabah Sdn Bhd, PCFSB plant in the Sabah Ammonia Urea project in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park. In a statement, the company said five PCFSB contractors were affected where two fatalities were reported. While three other affected personnel have received appropriate medical treatment. According to Petronas, its Emergency Response Team was immediately mobilised and the situation has been contained. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in the air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in serious or even fatal injuries. The authorities are still investigating cause of the leak.