Ammonia Leak in Eastern Cuba

HAVANA TIMES, Feb 24 — Two tons of ammonia escaped and the gas spread across a one square kilometer area of the eastern city of Guantanamo on Thursday following the rupture of pipes on a truck loaded with the gas.

The accident caused no loss of life thanks to the timely intervention of the fire department, said an eyewitness, though 11 local residents were hospitalized for respiratory difficulties, reported the Cuban Information Agency.

The leak occurred when the vehicle struck a beam while attempting to park.

While an investigation has begun, the controlled removal of the remaining gas from the tank has also started, with this said to present no danger to nearby residents.