A chemical spill at a New Mexico cheese factory injures 20 workers, leaving two in critical condition.
At a Glance
- Chemical spill occurred at Southwest Cheese Plant near Clovis, NM
- 20 employees injured, 14 hospitalized, two in critical condition
- Equipment malfunction mixed acid with chlorine, producing toxic gas
- Emergency responders contained the spill, area deemed safe
- Incident under investigation, production resumed same day
Chemical Spill Rocks New Mexico Cheese Factory
An industrial accident at the Southwest Cheese factory, located 8 miles south of Clovis, New Mexico, resulted in a chemical spill that injured 20 employees. The incident occurred when an equipment malfunction caused the mixing of acid and chlorine, producing a dangerous toxic gas. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, working to contain the spill and treat the affected workers.
The Curry County Sheriff’s Office reported that the spill involved 8.67 gallons of acid and 0.61 gallons of chlorine. This mixture created a hazardous situation for factory workers, leading to various degrees of injuries. Of the 20 employees affected, 14 required hospitalization, with two individuals in critical condition.
14 employees at Clovis cheese factory hospitalized after chemical spill https://t.co/U5mkgwrURY
— KRQE News 13 (@krqe) December 30, 2024
Swift Response and Containment Efforts
Emergency responders were called to the scene around 9:15 a.m., including the Clovis Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team and New Mexico State Police. Their quick action was crucial in managing the crisis and preventing further exposure to the toxic gas.
The affected employees were transported to Plains Regional Medical Center and Roosevelt General Hospital for treatment. Despite the severity of the incident, no fatalities were reported. Local authorities worked diligently to isolate the affected areas and ensure the safety of both workers and the surrounding community.
Investigation and Factory Operations
Southwest Cheese, a major employer in the region with approximately 400 workers, processes over 5.1 billion pounds of milk and produces more than 588 million pounds of cheese annually. The company, operational since 2005, specializes in manufacturing hard cheeses and whey products using milk from local dairy farmers.
The cause of the equipment malfunction is currently under investigation. Southwest Cheese has emphasized its commitment to employee safety and is cooperating fully with authorities to determine the root cause of the incident. The company has assured the public that it is taking all necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Public Safety Assurances
Local officials have reassured the public that the chemical leak was contained and that there is no ongoing danger to the surrounding area. The swift response and containment efforts by emergency services played a crucial role in limiting the impact of the spill.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and equipment maintenance in industrial settings. As the investigation continues, it is expected that lessons learned from this event will lead to enhanced safety measures not only at Southwest Cheese but potentially across the food processing industry.
Sources:
20 injured after chemical mixture makes toxic gas at Southwest Cheese factory
20 Employees Injured in Chemical Spill at NM Cheese Factory
