Truck driver injured last month in ammonia leak dies

A truck driver injured last month in an ammonia leak in Rosemount has died, authorities said Friday.

Roy Thomas Taylor, 56, of Moore, Okla., was one of two truckers exposed to ammonia at the Pine Bend ammonia loading facility when a connection between a supply tank and a tank truck started leaking on Nov. 16.

Taylor and Robert Shue, 31, of Kingfisher, Okla., tried to fix the leak, but the connection broke open, spilling a large amount of anhydrous ammonia.

Shue died at the scene, while Taylor was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul in critical condition. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner said Taylor died Monday.

Anhydrous ammonia is typically used as a highly concentrated fertilizer. But in the air, the liquid becomes a dangerous gas and can cause severe lung injuries.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident. Illinois-based CF Industries owns the terminal.

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