Ammonia Leak at Sterling, VA, Plant Sends 33 to Hospital

Aug. 1, 2024

Four workers were in critical condition after suffering respiratory issues, Loudoun County Assistant Chief Travis Preau reported.

Susan Nicol

An ammonia leak in a Sterling plant Wednesday night sent 33 people to the hospital.

Declaring it a mass casualty incident, crews from Fairfax County, Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority and Prince William County responded to assist Loudoun County, WUSA9 reported.

Four of the victims having critical or significant respiratory-related issues.

Authorities say five people are in serious condition, 17 are in serious but non-life-threatening condition and 11 are in minor non-life-threatening condition. A majority of the people affected by the leak were employees inside the impacted building.

The leak was discovered by building maintenance staff, who were able to get it under control. Assistant Fire Chief Travis Preau said crews ventilated the building overnight.

HAZMAT crews were called to the area to evaluate the air around the building. There does not appear to be any concern for people who live or work near the building where the leak happened.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.