Chemical spill injures 20 workers at New Mexico cheese factory

In the United States, a significant industrial incident occurred on Monday morning at the Southwest Cheese factory located in Clovis, New Mexico. At approximately 9:15 a.m., local authorities, including the Curry County Sheriff's Office, responded to reports of a chemical spill that had led to injuries among employees. Initial investigations revealed that the spill was triggered by an equipment malfunction, which resulted in 8.67 gallons of acid combining with 0.61 gallons of chlorine. This mixture generated toxic gas, adversely affecting the safety and health of workers in a specific section of the facility. Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders discovered that the chemical release caused at least 20 employees to suffer from various health issues. Out of these, 14 were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. Among those injured, two workers were reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns about the severity of the health repercussions from the toxic exposure. The injured workers included individuals who were on-site at the time of the incident, and emergency protocols were quickly activated to facilitate their care. The factory's management acknowledged the incident, indicating that a mechanical failure led to a significant chemical overflow. Employees reported perceiving a strong odor emanating from the affected area, which prompted immediate evacuation and the activation of the Clovis Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team. This rapid response was part of a broader incident management plan designed to mitigate harm to employees and respond to chemical accidents effectively. At present, the investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of the equipment malfunction that initiated the spill. Southwest Cheese emphasized its commitment to employee safety, stating that the health and safety of their workforce is their top priority. As the investigation continues, local officials aim to ensure that the facility adheres to appropriate safety standards and protocols moving forward, as well as provide support to the affected employees during their recovery.