Nearly 900 evacuated after chemical leak at Ipswich abattoir

Nearly 900 workers were evacuated from an Ipswich abattoir overnight after an ammonia leak at the JBS meat processing plant at Dinmore.

Emergency crews were called to JBS on Lock Way at just after midnight, with paramedics assessing 17 people at the scene.

Five were taken to hospital suffering respiratory issues.

Queensland Fire Department crews stopped the leak and ventilated the plant earlier today.

Ammonia is considered highly toxic and can cause irritation, burns and breathing difficulties — and in extreme cases, can be lethal.