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The
Curry County Sheriff's Office reported that more than a dozen
workers were transported to area hospitals by ambulances and
private vehicles Monday morning after acid mixed with chlorine
to create the fumes. Two of the workers were listed in critical
condition.
Crews responded after a strong smell was reported at the
Southwest Cheese plant. A hazardous materials crew with the
Clovis Fire Department helped to clear the scene and production
resumed later that morning.
Southwest Cheese said in a statement issued Monday that early
investigation indicated the cause of the incident was a chemical
overflow that occurred due to a mechanical failure in one room
at the plant and that the vapors affected employees who were
working close by.
The company said the affected area was quickly closed off per
its incident response plan.
Southwest Cheese has been operating since 2005. It processes
billions of pounds of milk every year, producing more than 588
million pounds (266,712 metric tons) of block cheese and more
than 36 million pounds (16,329 metric tons) of whey protein
powders.
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