“The entire business area was evacuated” to the south of the accident, Fernando Gomes told journalists at the scene.

The chief added that “40 workers were evacuated from the place where the leak occurred” and from other areas, totalling “150 people, including administrative and operational staff”.

Fernando Gomes indicated that “at this moment, the monitoring actions of the space continue”, adding that when there is “breathable and safe air quality, people will be able to return to their spaces and residences”.

According to the operator on site, there are 14 vehicles and 35 operators. The president of the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Richard Marques, told the Lusa news agency that the alert for a possible ammonia leak at that company, in the Câmara de Lobos Business Park, was given at 10:02 am. In addition to the evacuation of the buildings, a 300-meter safety perimeter was established. Of the 40 workers evacuated, “11 presented symptoms associated with the substance and two were taken to the hospital”, and the others were treated on site, added Richard Marques.