5 killed, more than 20 sickened in ammonia release at chemical plant in Ukraine

KIEV, Ukraine—Ukraine’s Emergency Situations Ministry says an ammonia leak at a chemical plant has killed five people and sickened more than 20.

The ministry said that a pipe carrying liquid ammonia depressurized Aug. 6 at the Stirol plant in the east of the country, causing the release of the chemical.

The ministry refused to provide further details.

The plant said on its website that the faulty pipe was soon fixed and there was no danger to the population in nearby areas.

Production of chemical fertilizers is a key sector of the Ukrainian economy.