A Coca-Cola bottling plant in Florida suffered an ammonia leak that led to the evacuation of its employees

A Coca-Cola bottling plant in Auburndale, Florida, suffered a chemical leak Wednesday that forced the evacuation of all employees. Residents in the area were also advised to take shelter.

According to information provided by a city spokesperson, it was discovered that a 20,000 liter container was leaking ammonia while undergoing maintenance.

The leak was reported around 10 a.m. and the Fire Department responded to the plant located at 705 Main Street South in Polk County to bring it under control. In light of the risks, plant employees were ordered to evacuate and residents within a two-block area around the plant were advised to take shelter. The chemical spill was stopped a few hours later and clean-up operations began.

The deputy chief of the local Fire Department, David Cash, reported that no injuries were reported inside the plant and although several people complained of a particular odor outside the site, all of them refused medical treatment.

The company apologized

"Our first priority is always the safety of our people and nearby residents. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries to anyone at the facility or the nearby neighborhoods, and the leak was contained as quickly as possible," The Coca-Cola Company reported after the incident.

The company said that some employees working in the electrical area did require medical attention after suffering "minor" eye and throat irritations.

"We apologize to the workers and area residents for the inconvenience this may have caused them, and we greatly appreciate the quick and effective response from the city and county emergency services teams," Coca-Cola added.