MANILA, Philippines — An ice plant employee in Navotas died yesterday following an ammonia leak that hit a cold storage facility owned by Mayor Toby Tiangco’s mother.
At least 60 people were rushed to the Navotas Hospital and Tondo Medical Center for treatment, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Tiangco said the ammonia leak occurred at T.P. Marcelo Ice Plant and Cold Storage in Barangay Northbay Boulevard South Proper.
Gilbert Tiangco, 43, was declared dead on arrival at the Navotas Hospital, city fire marshal Crossib Cante said.
The victim died of cardiopulmonary arrest following ingestion of ammonia, Tiangco said.
The mayor did not discount that they could be related.
Ammonia is used as a refrigerant, Tiangco said.
The leak came from a drum that ruptured and contained 500 gallons of ammonia, Cante said.
Tiangco said he would have the storage facility closed.