Boston Ammonia Leak: One Worker Dead

BOSTON, MA — An ammonia leak at a Boston warehouse cited for numerous health hazards has claimed the life of a worker, according to the Boston Fire Department.

About 5,300 pounds of ammonia had spilled before the main valve was shut off and the leak stopped, the department said.

• Exclusive: Seafood warehouse was repeatedly fined for health violations

Firefighters responded to the Stavis Seafoods warehouse at 7 Channel St. just before 6 p.m. for a reported chemical spill.

Surrounding streets in the Seaport District were shut for a time as crews responded to the scene.

Firefighters reportedly had difficulty accessing the source of the leak inside the large cold-storage facility.

The incident was declared a level 3 hazmat situation and firefighters donned full-body protective gear as they entered the building.

Guests at nearby hotels were ordered to stay in place.

Authorities have not released the identity of the victim, an adult male, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

Boston Fire Department officials said that the incident is being jointly investigated by fire investigators, the Boston Police Department and the Suffolk District Attorney's Office.

In a statement, Stavis Seafood officials said "We were devastated to learn that one of our warehouse employees has died as a result of the ammonia leak. We want to understand exactly what happened and will of course cooperate with all authorities in their investigation. We are thankful that four employees who were in the building at the time were able to quickly and safely evacuate."

That Channel St. warehouse has been cited by Occupational Health & Safety Administration in the past for a number of serious safety and health violations, including hazards associated with anhydrous ammonia in the refrigeration system.

The company announced earlier this month they were finalizing plans to move to a new facility on the Waterfront.

This story is being updated.

Photo: Boston Fire Department via Twitter.