A leak of ammonia gas in Ørland, Norway, prompted the evacuation of approximately 200 people on Thursday, April 30, 2026, authorities reported. The incident, which occurred near Ørland Kysthotell, led to the establishment of a 300-meter safety perimeter.
Police were alerted to the leak Thursday evening and confirmed it was contained shortly before midnight. “The leak is sealed and there is full control of the situation. All those evacuated can safely return to their homes,” operations leader Håvard Okan Lossius stated in a police log update.
The ammonia originated from a warm central facility operated by FosenKraft Energi on Brekstad, according to reports. Rune Ottestad, the company’s managing director, told VG that personnel were dispatched to investigate and were coordinating with emergency services.
This marks the second ammonia leak at the facility in recent months. A smaller leak from pressure valves occurred on March 6, 2026, also resulting in an evacuation, VG reported. Ottestad described the repeated incidents as “extremely unfortunate,” noting the plant is typically considered stable.
Emergency responders initially focused on evacuating individuals from the immediate area, with wind direction carrying the gas northward toward a ferry terminal, express boat terminal, and cultural center. Three people received medical attention as a result of the leak, according to TV2.
Authorities advised anyone smelling a pungent odor in the area to move away from the source. The ammonia is typically used as a coolant in the warm central facility, which pumps seawater from the fjord to provide district heating to nearby buildings. The incident underscores the potential risks associated with industrial cooling systems and the importance of rapid response protocols.
The leak was fully contained by 12:38 AM on Friday, May 1, 2026, and the evacuation order was lifted.
