An ammonia leak inside an Americold Logistics cold-storage warehouse in Murfreesboro sent hazmat crews into the building Friday to manually shut off the source, closing roads around the facility but causing no injuries. The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department evacuated the building on General Mills Way and worked to secure the scene as first responders converged on the site, according to authorities.
The leak was contained after a Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department hazmat team and facility staff entered the building together and shut off the valve responsible for the release, according to Rutherford Source. Crews were dispatched for what was classified as a medium hazmat release and monitored air quality in and around the facility until readings dropped to safe thresholds, the outlet reported. WKRN News 2 reported that the General Mills Way entrance was closed to traffic and that motorists in the area were asked to use an alternate route as first responders worked the scene.
No medical emergencies or injuries were reported in connection with the leak, and emergency responders closed Butler Drive along with General Mills Way while securing the facility, per the same account from Rutherford Source. Motorists in the area were asked to use an alternate route and expect delays, according to WKRN News 2. As of Friday afternoon, authorities had not released further information about what triggered the release.
Inside the Facility Where the Leak Occurred
The warehouse sits at 2641 General Mills Way, a cold-chain hub that Americold's own facility guide describes as featuring cooler and freezer temperature zones built for forward distribution operations. Americold is a global cold-storage real estate and logistics company that relies on industrial refrigeration systems to keep perishable food products at safe temperatures.
Responders entered the building as part of a coordinated hazmat response to the leak.
Safety Considerations for Ammonia Refrigeration Systems
Ammonia refrigeration systems at cold-storage warehouses require careful safety planning and maintenance.
The incident also highlights the need to consider the potential effects of an ammonia release on nearby areas.
The incident brings renewed attention to safety practices at cold-storage facilities.
A Company Already Trimming Its Footprint
Friday's leak comes as Americold Logistics LLC has been working through a corporate cost-cutting campaign called Fit for Purpose, which Hoodline reported in June aimed for more than $25 million in overhead savings and has already led to Atlanta warehouse closures. That report discussed shifting capacity, costs, softer warehouse volumes and margin pressure.
The response also disrupted roads in Murfreesboro, with closures around the facility. It remains unknown what specific mechanical failure or error caused Friday's ammonia release, and authorities had not indicated whether OSHA or state regulators would open a formal investigation.
