Hazmat call at Coca-Cola plant caused by mechanical leak

DOWNEY — A hazmat situation at the Coca-Cola plant last week was caused by an ammonia leak from mechanical equipment and is being addressed by the facility, Downey Fire Department officials said.

The incident occurred sometime around 5 am on Oct. 24. The building was evacuated and no injuries were reported.

Firestone Boulevard and Patton Road as well as Lakewood Boulevard and Cleta Street were shut down out of an abundance of caution due to the factory’s proximity to a school and hospital, according to Downey Assistant Fire Chief Anthony Hildebrand. All streets reopened that same day.

According to Hildebrand, there was never any significant threat to public safety.