10 hospitalized, 90 evacuated due to ammonia leak in Caloocan ice plant

At least 10 people were brought to hospital Wednesday morning due to difficulty in breathing while 90 others were evacuated after ammonia leaked from an ice plant in Brgy 168, Deparo, Caloocan City.

In a report, Super Radyo dzBB's Allan Gatus said barangay officials brought eight residents to Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium while members of the Bureau of Fire Protection rushed two more to the hospital.

Residents smelled the foul odor past 4 a.m., according to information gathered by the BFP. Fire personnel have closed the valve that caused the leak.

“Upon arrival, responders immediately initiated containment measures including the closure of all valves, shutdown of the main electrical breaker, and preparation and installation of ventilation equipment to mitigate the spread of hazardous fumes,” the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Caloocan said in a statement.

“Through coordinated and systematic operations, the source of the leak was successfully located and placed under continuous monitoring while ensuring the safety of responders and the surrounding community,” it added.

𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗦𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬Ammonia mula sa isang planta ng yelo sa Caloocan City, tumagas; ilang mga residente, inilikas. | via @allangatus pic.twitter.com/nWZRv6yU2i

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 29, 2026

In a social media post, Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan urged affected residents and motorists to avoid the area to prevent exposure.

He said the affected areas are from BF Phase 2 to Deparo Intersection and from  Puregold Intersection to Deparo Intersection.

Residents in nearby communities were also advised to remain inside their homes, keep windows and doors closed, and minimize outdoor activities until the situation is declared safe.

Those who must go outside were advised to wear face masks as a precaution against possible inhalation of harmful substances.

The public is advised to seek immediate medical attention at nearby health centers or hospitals if they experience symptoms such as dizziness or difficulty breathing.

“Para sa kapanatagan po ng mga residente, nasa nasabing lugar po ang Caloocan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department upang kasalukuyang rumesponde at maagapan ang sitwasyon,” Malapitan said in a public health advisory.

(For the safety of residents, the Caloocan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department is in the said area to currently respond and manage the situation.)

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras,” the ice plant was cordoned off, while air toxicity levels were monitored throughout the day to determine whether residents living nearby could safely return.

Representatives from the City Environmental Office also visited the site to assess the possible liabilities of the plant owner under environmental laws.

GMA News has reached out to the owner of the ice plant for comment, but they declined to issue a statement.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/AOL/RSJ/MCG, GMA News