An ammonia leak at the Indorama Kokand Fertilizers & Chemicals plant in Kokand, Uzbekistan on the evening of May 16 was reported by the local media, with emergency services quickly bringing the situation under control. The incident, attributed preliminarily to a ruptured hose during a liquid ammonia transfer, resulted in a localized release of the chemical and prompted medical attention for a small number of individuals.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 PM on Friday as liquid ammonia was being pumped from a railway tank into a specialized storage container at the Indorama Qo‘qon Fertilizers and Chemicals JSC (IKF) facility. According to statements from both the Fergana province department of the National Guard and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, a hose ruptured during the transfer, causing approximately 10% of the ammonia to leak onto the plant's territory. Preliminary data from IKF suggests that about 500 kilograms of ammonia were released into the atmosphere.

Upon notification, a coordinated emergency response was immediately initiated. National Guard servicemen, police officers, and emergency response officers swiftly arrived at the scene. Recognizing the potential danger, plant employees and civilians in the surrounding area were urgently evacuated to a safe location, ensuring the safety of the wider population. Access roads leading to the plant were promptly blocked as a precautionary measure.

In the immediate aftermath, approximately ten people sought medical assistance. The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that seven individuals received examinations and were subsequently discharged and sent home after their health conditions were deemed satisfactory. While some reports indicated no injuries according to the company, the Ministry of Emergency Situations' confirmation of seven individuals seeking help suggests a minor impact.

Indorama Kokand Fertilizers & Chemicals stated that the facility’s emergency response teams immediately began containing and eliminating the consequences of the leak. In cooperation with units of the Civil Protection Service and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, measures were taken to neutralize ammonia vapors through water spraying both inside and around the affected tank, along with the crucial action of shutting off valves. The company has reported that the situation has been fully stabilized, and production activities at the facility have resumed.

Initial findings suggest that the incident may have been caused by rapid evaporation triggered by abnormally high temperatures recorded in Uzbekistan in May 2025. The leak reportedly occurred precisely at the moment of connecting the hose equipment during the unloading process.

Local authorities were promptly informed of the incident, and Indorama Kokand Fertilizers & Chemicals management affirmed their active cooperation with relevant regulatory bodies. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to determine the root causes of the incident and to implement preventative measures to avert similar occurrences in the future.