Ammonia Leak Shuts Down Highway in Dodge County, Deputy Hospitalized
Dodge County authorities responded to a significant anhydrous ammonia leak Tuesday evening near the Central Farm Service Co-op.
Deputies blocked off Highway 56 after reports of anhydrous fumes crossing the highway near the 75000 block, prompting a HazMat response to contain the hazardous leak.
The incident began around 7:18 p.m. on October 30, 2024, when Dodge County’s 911 Dispatch received reports of the fumes in the area. Multiple agencies responded, including the Hayfield Fire Department, Brownsdale Fire Department, Blooming Prairie Fire Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
As the Minnesota Department of Transportation managed road closures and rerouted traffic, officials conducted welfare checks on nearby residents to ensure their safety. The Minnesota State Duty Officer mobilized the Olmsted County Hazmat Team, which arrived after midnight to aid in stopping the leak and securing the area.
Crews worked through the night, and MNDOT reopened the roadway by 4:53 a.m. Emergency personnel fully cleared the scene just before 5:30 a.m.
A Dodge County deputy who was first to arrive on the scene began feeling unwell after clearing from the incident. The deputy was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment of anhydrous exposure. The deputy was released from the hospital later that morning and is doing well at home.
The cause of the leak remains under investigation as officials work to determine what led to the incident.
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