Sacramento, CA – One person was injured on the morning of Tuesday, November 5, 2025, after a forklift accident caused a major ammonia leak at an industrial facility in southeast Sacramento, according to KCRA.

The Sacramento Fire Department reports that emergency crews were called around 5:51 AM to the 8300 block of Fruitridge Road, near Power Inn Road, following reports of a strong chemical odor and visible vapor in the air. 

Responders determined that a forklift at the Thatcher Company, an agricultural chemical manufacturer, had struck a pressure relief valve on a large storage tank containing approximately 14,000 pounds of ammonia.

The impact caused a significant release of the gas, which can lead to chemical burns, respiratory irritation, and eye injuries. One worker sustained injuries from the exposure and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Several others in the area reported burning sensations in their eyes and throat before evacuating.

Officials said a light wind helped disperse the fumes, but as a precaution, nearby businesses and buildings within a 1,000-foot radius were temporarily evacuated. Firefighters and hazmat teams worked to contain the leak while company technicians secured the damaged valve.

By midmorning, crews confirmed the release had been stopped, and Fruitridge Road was reopened to traffic. Florin Perkins Road at Unsworth Avenue remained closed as cleanup operations continued.

Authorities said the incident remains under investigation to determine whether safety procedures were followed and what led to the forklift’s impact with the ammonia tank.

California Workers Compensation Lawyer

While some jobs are riskier than others, one constant is the importance of workers’ compensation insurance. A California Workers Compensation Lawyer can help families receive fair compensation after a loved one is the victim of a workplace injury.