Around 40 Evacuated After Chemical Incident in Funchal
An ammonia leak at the Empresa de Cervejas da Madeira, located in the Parque Empresarial da Zona Oeste (PEZO), forced the evacuation of approximately 40 people on Monday morning. Authorities confirmed that 11 people showed symptoms linked to ammonia exposure. Two individuals were taken to health units for treatment, while the others were assisted on site.
At first, I thought it might be sewage, but then I realized it was something much more serious — like a hazardous material leak. A lady who was on the same route also began to feel unwell, but she didn’t end up going to the hospital.
Protective Measures and Emergency Teams Deployed
The Regional Civil Protection Service deployed 39 personnel and 16 vehicles to the scene. The operation involved
the Volunteer Firefighters of Câmara de Lobos
the Fire Brigade of Funchal
the Madeira Volunteer Firefighters
the Municipal Firefighters of Machico
the Public Security Police (PSP)
the Madeira branch of the Portuguese Red Cross
the Regional Medical Emergency Service (SEMER)
two Hazardous Material Assessment Teams (from PSP and the Machico Fire Department).
A logistical support vehicle with specialized equipment and a liaison officer from the Maritime Authority were also present. Richard Marques, president of the Regional Civil Protection Service, explained:
Ammonia has the potential to be both toxic and corrosive. Therefore, it combines two properties that, in some way, present greater complexity: people can be affected by its toxic capacity (contamination through inhalation), but also by its corrosive nature. For this reason, decontamination measures are taken, including removing all clothing that may have come into contact with the released substance.
He added that a safety perimeter of 300 meters was established around the infrastructure and said,
It was ensured a [safety] perimeter of 300 meters around the infrastructure,” said the official, adding that the fact that “there was no wind in the area” helped to bring the situation under control.
Monitoring of adjacent buildings is ongoing.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Lack of Warning
Several nearby residents said they were not informed about the incident.
The neighborhood heard the commotion and smelled it strongly, but no one warned anyone or alerted people to take precautions.
Local resident, JM-Madeira
Reports mention the smell of ammonia reached beyond the PEZO area, including neighborhoods like Palmeira, where the air was described as “unbreathable” by some.
Environmental and Labor Authorities Now Involved
The Regional Directorate for the Environment confirmed that environmental parameters remained within normal values in the monitored area near the Empresa de Cervejas da Madeira, particularly along the margins of Ribeira dos Socorridos. A specialized company was also called in to handle and treat the contaminated waste, the agency noted.
In the afternoon, the union SINTAB (Union of Agricultural, Food, Beverage and Tobacco Workers of Portugal) released a statement demanding an inspection:
This union has requested that the Regional Authority for Working Conditions (ARCT) intervene at Empresa de Cervejas da Madeira, to verify whether all necessary measures were taken following the ammonia leak.
SINTAB added:
We need to ensure that workers are protected and being properly followed up in terms of health and safety.
Investigation Continues as Site Is Stabilized
According to Civil Protection chief Richard Marques, the situation has been stabilized, but precautionary monitoring continues. The Empresa de Cervejas da Madeira has not yet issued a statement. Officials are still investigating the exact cause of the leak.
Businesses at PEZO remain closed for the time being, and nearby residents are advised to remain alert while the site is being secured and inspected.
Ammonia Leaks in Madeira Have Happened Before
According to Diário de Notícias da Madeira, this is not the first time an ammonia leak has caused evacuations in Madeira. In November 2020, the Regional Slaughterhouse (CARAM) in Santo da Serra was evacuated due to a similar incident. That same year, staff at the Regional Fisheries Directorate, including the Funchal fish market, also had to leave their workplaces because of ammonia leaks. In November 2023, another leak at the Fisheries Directorate led to evacuations but no injuries. Ammonia exposure can cause serious health issues depending on the amount released and how long people are exposed.
Why Ammonia Is Dangerous
Ammonia (NH3) is a toxic, corrosive gas used widely in refrigeration, agriculture (fertilizers), and industrial processes.
Exposure to high concentrations can cause severe respiratory damage, burns, and death.
Ammonia leaks often cause rapid evacuation due to the gas's irritant properties and potential to cause suffocation.
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