BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Fire Department says the ammonia leak at the former Baltimore American Ice Co. has been contained and a contractor is performing final mitigation at the site.
Fire Department spokesman Kevin Cartwright says the contractor is cleaning residual ammonia and the process is expected to continue until mid-morning.
The leak was reported about 8:30 p.m. when workers who were tearing down part of the old ice house broke a pipe. Cartwright says about 30 people living nearby were temporarily relocated. He said Friday morning they were being allowed to return.
According to Cartwright, a civilian reported earlier to have been taken to a hospital with breathing problems actually declined transportation to the hospital.
Traffic continues to be detoured in the area. Transit officials say MARC Penn Line trains will not stop at the West Baltimore Station until further notice.
Bentalou and Lockerman-Bundy elementary schools were closed for the day as a precaution. School system spokeswoman Vanessa Pyatt says a third school, Frederick Elementary, was closed after students and staff detected an ammonia odor.
