An ammonia leak that occurred Wednesday afternoon at the Heineken brewery in Mons-en-Barœul, near Lille, led to the immediate evacuation of all staff. The authorities ensure that the emanations have “no danger for the population”, even if a slight odor can be perceived nearby.
According to the Northern Prefecture, the leak was detected around 2:30 p.m. when the ammonia distribution network was tightly seized, as part of maintenance work while the site was stopped. “All of the workers were immediately evacuated, and none of them are injured,” she said.
The location of the leak still not determined
At 9:15 p.m., the exact location of the leak had not yet been determined, but it would be in an isolated building, secured by its structure and by water lances set up by firefighters. “Specialized staff and equipment adapted to this situation have been engaged and will remain on the spot until the end of the intervention,” adds the prefecture.
Regular surveys are carried out inside and outside the site. “The statements are zero outside the area concerned by the flight,” said the authorities. Only “olfactory discomfort” could possibly be felt.
Ammonia, a toxic gas in high doses
The Mons-en-Barœul factory, owned by Heineken since 1986, is the largest French brewery in the group, producing 260 million liters of beer in 2024, notably the Heineken, Pélican, Pelforth and the Desperados brands.
All the news in the North
Used as a refrigerant, ammonia is flammable and toxic to high doses, which can cause skin burns and eye damage.
