(AP) -- RAEFORD, N.C. (AP) - An official says an ammonia leak from a refrigeration area forced the evacuation of a House of Raeford plant in Hoke County as well as nearby homes.
Company spokesman Dave Witter said Wednesday there was some kind of mechanical failure in the refrigeration unit at the turkey processing plant in Raeford, but he had no specific details as to what caused the leak. He said a small fire associated with the leak was extinguished.
One worker was taken to a nearby hospital, but Witter did not know the worker's condition.
Witter also said the plant, located about 90 miles southwest of Raleigh, would be closed on Thursday.
County director of emergency communications Jimmy Stewart said the leak forced authorities to evacuate residents within a half-mile radius of the plant.
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