Heineken factory in the northern region enforced evacuation due to an ammonia spill incident.
On August 13, 2025, an ammonia leak occurred at the Heineken brewery in Mons-en-Baroeul, France. The incident led to the immediate evacuation of over 300 workers from the facility.
According to the Nord prefecture, the ammonia, used in the factory for its refrigerating functions, is a flammable and toxic gas when inhaled in high doses. It can also cause skin burns and eye injuries. However, the prefecture reassured that the emissions do not pose a danger to nearby residents.
The exact location of the leak within the factory is still undetermined as of 21:15. The factory was in a scheduled production stoppage at the time of the leak. Measurements have been put in place at regular intervals, both inside the site and outside, near homes.
Specialised personnel and equipment have been deployed at the site, adapted to handle the ammonia leak situation. The leak is in a building isolated by its own structure and water cannons installed by firefighters.
The leak was detected around 14:30, and the intervention will continue until the end of the ammonia leak incident. An olfactory nuisance may be felt, but there is no danger to the population.
It is worth noting that the leak occurred during a check of the ammonia distribution network's tightness during maintenance work. Measurements outside the area affected by the leak are nil.
The factory personnel were evacuated safely, and none of them were injured in the incident. The intervention is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
[1] Report from August 13, 2025, available upon request.
- The incident at the Heineken brewery, involving an ammonia leak in the factory used for refrigeration purposes, has caused a stir in the general-news industry, as it raises concerns about safety in the energy sector of the finance industry.
- The ammonia leak, which occurred during maintenance work, has led to the immediate halt of factory operations, causing a ripple effect in the industry's production schedule.
- Despite the accident, precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of nearby residents, demonstrating the responsibility of the company in the face of such mishaps, another essential aspect in the general-news, industry, finance, and energy sectors.
