Seven workers were hospitalised following an ammonia leak at a chicken farm near Eston, just outside Pietermaritzburg, on Friday night.

The Witness reports that KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service paramedics responded to the scene.

According to KwaZulu-Natal Private Ambulance spokesperson Craig Botha, several workers were exposed to the ammonia leak, with seven requiring hospitalisation.

Brown says KwaZulu-Natal Private Ambulance paramedics rushed to the scene and stabilised patients before transporting them to hospital.

The incident occurred when a pipe carrying ammonia ruptured at the facility. Emergency teams were able to quickly contain the leak and treat those affected.

Ammonia is used as a cleaning agent in several industries, including the agricultural sector.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the ruptured pipe.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.