Ammonia Leak Prompts Evacuation Of Suffield Manufacturer [UPDATED]

SUFFIELD, CT — An ammonia leak at the H.P. Hood Co. on Route 159 prompted evacuation of the business early Wednesday morning, and resulted in closure of a segment of the busy state road for nearly eight hours.

Around 12:47 a.m., emergency personnel from the Suffield police and fire departments were summoned to the plant at 1250 East Street South, as well as the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association and mutual aid resources from neighboring Windsor Locks and Enfield,Capt. Robert Palmer said.

Hood was immediately evacuated, as were neighboring businesses and some residences. A Haz-Mat Response Team from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was summoned, and has since been aided by multiple teams, Palmer said.

No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, and the portion of Route 159 in front of the business was closed throughout the morning hours, Palmer said.

Police Chief James Canon said the road re-opened around 8:30 a.m., but Harvey Lane remains closed for the next several hours as Haz-Mat teams remain at the scene for final clean-up. There is no threat to the public, the chief said.