24 Festive Chicken workers taken to hospital after ammonia leak in Olifantsfontein

Twenty-four employees were taken to hospital after an ammonia leak at the Festive Chicken facility in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni.

The workers suffered respiratory distress, and emergency services took all 24 to nearby hospitals.

What happened

A pressure-release valve reportedly malfunctioned during routine maintenance, causing the leak. Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services said "ammonia levels at the facility have since returned to zero."

What we do not yet know

• The condition of the 24 workers.
• The confirmed cause of the leak, and whether the Department of Employment and Labour will investigate.
• Whether operations at the facility have resumed.

We will update this report when the company or the authorities issue a statement.