Chemical spill at Coca-Cola forces evacuation

A massive 20,000-gallon tank was found to be leaking ammonia at a Coca-Cola plant in Auburndale, Florida early on Wednesday morning, prompting a brief shelter-in-place order for residents in the area. There have been no reports of serious injuries to employees or local residents, but the Coca-Cola Company later issued a statement noting that "a few electrical employees working nearby" sought medical attention "for minor eye and throat irritations." Deputy Fire Chief David Cash also said some citizens called to complain about a chemical odor and "irritation" that may have been caused by the spill, but claimed the substance had been largely contained in the plant and inside their filtration system. Cash said the leak was caused by a problem with "piping" and contractors were doing work in the plant near the site of the spill, "They followed all the rules and did everything right." Coca-Cola also apologized to employees and locals "for the inconvenience this may have caused them."