SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Approximately 20 workers at Tyson Foods Inc. poultry plant in Goodlettsville, Tenn., were evacuated and firefighters from Nashville and Goodlettsville responded to a gas leak over the weekend. Tyson officials confirmed an unspecified amount of ammonia, which is used in the facility’s refrigeration system, caused a temporary evacuation of the plant and about 240 area residents, according to reports.  

“We’re investigating an ammonia release that was detected early Sunday morning at our Goodlettsville, Tenn., facility,” said a Tyson spokesperson. “The safety of our team members is always our top priority, so we immediately evacuated the plant. Weekend operations quickly resumed as normal. We want to thank the local fire departments and other first responders for their quick response.” 

Hazardous materials officials and fire department investigators are working with operators of the plant to determine the cause of the leak. Nobody was hospitalized due to injuries related to the incident. 

Tyson operates multiple facilities in Tennessee, including operations in Newbern, Shelbyville, Humboldt, Goodlettsville and Union City – employing more than 5,500 at plants in the state.