Old tank, extreme pressure possible cause of Navotas ammonia leak

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the ammonia leak at an ice plant in Navotas City in which 2 died and more than 90 were taken to hospital.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, they are still difficult to investigate because the ammonia level in the plant is still high, so they have not been able to enter the facility until now.

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They will also look into whether there was negligence or just an accident that happened to hold the offender accountable. They are still gathering evidence and witnesses to the incident.

They are looking at two angles that may be causing the ammonia to leak. This is overpressure with the equipment and old tank.

BFP explained that every year they inspect the plant. The facility, owned by the family of Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco, also passed the fire safety inspection.

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Currently, 26 people are still receiving treatment at the hospital. Most of the residents returned to their homes after seeing that the oxygen level in the community was normal.

Old tank, extreme pressure possible cause of Navotas ammonia leak

Meanwhile,  City Mayor Toby Tiangco said Thursday the ice plant owned by his relatives should shoulder the assistance for the residents affected by the .

In an interview on Unang Balita, Tiangco said funds from the fund of Navotas local government should not be used in assisting those affected, including those wounded and hospitalized.

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“Hindi naman po sa ayaw ng lokal na pamahalaan na tumulong kaya lang itong pangyayaring ito ay posed by a private company na nagkataon ay pamilya ko. So pangit naman na gastusin ang pera ng gobyerno dahil ang pinsala ay nanggaling sa kumpanya na pag-aari ng pamilya ng nanay ko so they will have to pay for everything,” Tiangco said.

“In this case, sabi ko singilin ‘yung pribadong kumpanya para malinaw na directly o indirectly, wala po magiging pakinabang ang pamilya ng nanay ko dito. Very sensitive ‘to eh. Hindi sa ayaw naming tumulong pero in this case, dapat po hindi gamitin ‘yung pondo ng gobyerno. Sana maintindihan niyo po kasi delicadeza po ‘yun eh,” he added.