2 companies cited for violations in ammonia leak that killed passing SC driver

SC finds serious violations in ammonia leak

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina workplace safety officials have fined a chemical company more than $23,000 for seven serious violations in a July ammonia leak that killed a passing driver.

Authorities say a hose ruptured as workers from Tanner Industries of Southampton, Pa., moved the liquid anhydrous ammonia from a truck, spilling 1,800 gallons of the chemical used in cleaning products.

The ammonia evaporated, creating a cloud that drifted across a nearby highway in Swansea (SWAHN’-see), about 25 miles south of Columbia. Thirty-eight-year-old Jacqueline Ginyard drove into it and was overcome by fumes.

Trucking company Werner Transportation Services Inc. of Omaha, Neb., was cited for four serious violations.

Tanner Industries says it continues to cooperate with authorities. Werner didn’t return a message.