Twenty-four workers at Festive Chicken in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni, were hospitalized on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, following the release of dangerous ammonia gas. According to AllAfrica, the incident occurred when a faulty pressure valve failed during maintenance work at the facility. The leak forced an immediate evacuation of the factory floor as employees struggled to breathe in the contaminated air.
Eric Maloka, a spokesperson for Ekurhuleni emergency services, told AllAfrica that firefighters arrived to find several workers experiencing respiratory distress. "They immediately called for medical help," Maloka stated, noting that paramedics treated the affected individuals on-site before transporting them. A total of 24 patients were moved by ER24 and Gauteng Provincial Government emergency medical services to nearby hospitals for further assessment and care.
The engineering manager at the factory reported that ammonia levels spiked to 222 parts per million, a concentration far exceeding standard workplace safety limits. This reading occurred around 4:23 pm, shortly after maintenance began at 6 am. Maloka confirmed that emergency teams successfully intervened and that ammonia levels eventually returned to zero, allowing employees to be given the go-ahead to return to work. However, AllAfrica notes that declaring the air safe does not automatically mean the workers are healthy enough to resume duties without medical clearance.
Ammonia is commonly used in industrial cooling systems to keep meat products cold. When inhaled, the gas can irritate or burn the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms range from coughing and sore throats to chest tightness and wheezing. In severe cases, exposure can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or lasting damage. Recovery times vary significantly depending on the severity of inhalation, with some workers requiring weeks of treatment or potentially facing long-term respiratory issues.
AllAfrica reports that there is no specific medicine to immediately reverse ammonia poisoning. Medical professionals typically provide oxygen and breathing assistance based on the patient's condition. While some workers with mild symptoms may recover within days, those with severe lung damage could need months of care. Questions remain regarding the current status of the hospitalized workers and whether any have suffered permanent injuries. It is also unclear if the faulty valve has been fully repaired to prevent future leaks.