Emergency personnel respond to a report of a gas leak in Sterling, Va., on July 31, 2024. A failed valve was the cause of last night’s ammonia leak that evacuated a large industrial building in Sterling and sent employees to several local area hospitals. (Loudoun County Fire and Rescue)
At least 33 people were taken to hospitals Wednesday night after ammonia leaked inside a culinary facility near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. A department spokeswoman said five of the victims were transported with very serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. at Cuisine Solutions, the spokeswoman said. The company has a global reach, partnering with mega retailers such as Costco and Target to provide meal kits and food offerings such as a popular egg bite breakfast item sold at Starbucks, according to its website.
Headquartered in Sterling, Cuisine Solutions is an industry leader in commercializing a culinary technique known as sous vide, which uses temperature-controlled water to slowly cook food in a vacuum-sealed bag. From chicken tenders to lamb shanks with portobello mushrooms, their products are ubiquitous - found on airlines and at conventions, hotels, cruises and in the prepared meal section of grocery stores.
Wednesday’s incident occurred in a building in the 22400 block of Sous Vide Lane in Sterling, at a commercial complex north of the airport.
A company representative did not immediately comment Thursday morning. The company, which also has a presence in Alexandria, recently partnered with the region’s professional rugby team, Old Glory DC.
In a statement posted online, authorities said firefighters and other first responders from Fairfax and Prince William counties assisted, along with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Five of the people taken to hospitals suffered “significant symptoms,” according to updated information provided by the fire department Thursday morning.
The fire department spokeswoman said that among those taken to hospitals, 17 people had serious injuries and 11 had minor injuries. Their conditions could not immediately be determined Thursday morning.
It was not immediately clear what caused the leak or how ammonia was being used at the facility. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, inhaling ammonia gas, which is colorless and has a distinct odor, can cause short-term respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure can cause coughing and wheezing and impaired lung functions.
