Ammonia leak prompts evacuation of Pa. kosher poultry plant; 6 people suffer nonfatal injuries

Ammonia leak leads to Pa. poultry plant evacuation

BIRDSBORO, Pa. — An ammonia leak at a kosher Pennsylvania poultry plant has led to the evacuation of about 125 people, including six who suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency crews were called Tuesday night to the Mehadrin Kosher Poultry plant in Birdsboro, which is about 8 miles southeast of Reading.

Exeter Township Sgt. Michael Bailey says ammonia was still leaking as of 11:15 p.m. He says the leak was contained to the plant and no animals were removed.

Six people were taken to the hospital for treatment of exposure to the gas. None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.

Ammonia can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. In high concentrations, it can cause severe burns or death.

The plant closed briefly last week amid a dispute with Exeter Township over sewage discharge and sewer bills.