BACOLOD CITY, June 2 (PNA) – A member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod here said he will initiate an investigation of what possibly caused the ammonia leak from the freezer owned by a business firm which resulted in injuring a number of residents of Barangay Singcang-Airport in this city.

Councilor Greg Gasataya, Chairman of the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee on Environment, said he will propose a resolution directing the City Health Office (CHO), through its Sanitation Division, and the Environment and Natural Resources Office to conduct an investigation on the ammonia leak from the freezer of business establishment, Nepcon Marine Incorporated last Sunday evening.

Jovelyn Zamar, Fire Inspector with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), said the BFP received a call from one Rodolfo Acot at about 8 p.m. last Sunday about the ammonia leakage from Nepcon’s freezer.

According to the BFP, some residents in the area vomited while shoppers in nearby Gaisano City Mall felt nauseated by the pungent smell and inhaling the ammonia gas leakage.

Three men also suffered minor burns while attempting to switch off the freezer valve, the BFP said.

BFP Fire Officer 1 Joey Michael Victoriano said the men were given first aid for minor burns. Victoriano identified them as Jose Ambrocio, Ronnie Bellote, and Nestor Soriba whose burns were caused by the liquid form of ammonia.

BFP personnel conducted fogging operations in the area for some three hours after the freezer’s valve was closed to diffuse the foul odor.

CHO personnel visited the area Tuesday and the company has assured them that it is now maintaining the freezer well.