Employees #1 and #2 were draining refrigerant oil from anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system oil traps in fruit cold storage warehouses. They were working approximately 24 feet above floor level on a mobile scissor lift personnel platform (Hyster, V24) using hand tools, including a wrench, a flashlight, and a bucket. The cause of the unexpected ammonia release is unknown.
Employees #1 and #2 suffered thermal and chemical burns over large areas of their bodies and respiratory tracts. Employees #1 and #2 died.