by North Kingstown, R.I. – Thirteen employees were hospitalized following an ammonia leak at Taylor Farms, a food processing facility in North Kingstown, on Thursday, Nov. 20. Two of the workers remain in critical condition, while the others are expected to recover, authorities reported.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
Officials were alerted to the leak at approximately 6 p.m. and responded quickly to the scene. North Kingstown Fire Chief John Linacre described workers exiting the facility complaining of ammonia exposure, which caused eye and throat irritation.
“There was no liquid ammonia leak; it was all vapor,” Linacre told local media, adding that the ammonia system has been shut down at the facility.
Hazmat teams from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) were dispatched to ventilate the building. Additionally, DEXON teams arrived on site to decontaminate workers, ensuring that exposure risks were minimized.
The leak reportedly originated from a valve on the roof, which allowed air to enter the system, pulling ammonia vapor into the building. According to Linacre, the incident was linked to the facility’s refrigeration system, and the DEM continues to investigate the cause and extent of the leak.
Hospitalizations and Injuries
Out of the 13 hospitalized workers, two remain in serious condition. The other eleven employees experienced mild symptoms such as eye irritation and sore throats and are expected to recover fully. Emergency responders worked swiftly to ensure that all exposed individuals were transported to hospitals and treated promptly.
Facility’s Previous Violations and Safety Record
This is not the first safety incident reported at Taylor Farms. In 2023, the facility was fined $650,000 following earlier violations, including a prior ammonia leak in 2020 that also hospitalized 13 people.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in a July 2023 release that it, alongside the Justice Department, reached a settlement with Taylor Farms to address alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The settlement required Taylor Farms to pay penalties and implement specific safety improvements at the North Kingstown facility.
Safety Measures and Precautions
Authorities are advising that the public avoid the immediate area until the facility has been fully ventilated and inspected. Employees have been decontaminated, and the facility remains under strict monitoring to prevent further exposure.
Chief Linacre emphasized the importance of quick action during such events: “Finding the source on the roof of the ammonia system allowed us to contain the vapor and prevent further injuries.”
Context of Recent Ammonia Incidents
This incident follows a similar event in Weatherford, Oklahoma, earlier in November 2025, where nearly 40 people were hospitalized due to an ammonia leak from a truck near a Holiday Inn. These occurrences highlight the ongoing risks associated with ammonia handling in both industrial and transportation settings.
Residents and workers: Have you experienced or witnessed industrial ammonia leaks? Share your experiences or safety tips in the comments below to help others stay informed and safe.
