Tragic Ammonia Leak in Chennai: 11 Lives Lost and Safety Concerns Raised

A devastating ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Chennai has resulted in 11 fatalities, prompting a high-level investigation into safety protocols. The report reveals critical lapses, including a malfunctioning emergency alarm and poor living conditions for migrant workers. With 67 individuals still receiving medical treatment, the state government is taking steps to enforce stricter safety regulations. This incident raises significant concerns about worker safety in industrial settings, highlighting the urgent need for improved emergency response training and living conditions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 22:28 IST

Ammonia Gas Leak Claims Lives in Chennai

Chennai: The ammonia gas leak incident at a seafood processing plant in Tiruvallur has tragically resulted in 11 deaths. A high-level investigation has revealed significant safety failures, including a malfunctioning emergency alarm system and inadequate living conditions for migrant workers.

As per a bulletin from the State Health and Family Welfare Department released on Thursday, the death toll has reached 11.

Among the deceased, nine individuals were from Odisha, identified as Shibani Juanga, Phulomani Juanga, Gumani Juanga, Geeta Juanga, Sujani Juanga, Champabati Juanga, Jamini Juanga, Subasi Juanga, and Rita Juanga. Additionally, two victims from Assam, Sita Hasda and Anjila Soren, were also confirmed dead.

Of the 83 individuals affected by the gas leak, 67 are currently under medical care. This group includes 64 women and three men. Health officials reported that 16 patients are on ventilators, 21 are receiving nasal oxygen, while 30 others are stable. Five individuals have already been discharged from the hospital.

The state government confirmed that 67 people are still receiving treatment following the industrial accident that occurred on June 21 at St Peter & Paul Seafoods Exports Private Limited, located in the Kannigaipair and Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam.

The affected workers come from various states, including 32 from Odisha, 16 from Assam, nine from Jharkhand, six from Tamil Nadu, three from Kerala, and one from West Bengal. They are being treated at Vels Hospital, Venkateswara Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, and Stanley Hospital.

The remains of five victims were airlifted back to Odisha on June 23, with two more transported on June 24. The remains of the remaining four victims will be sent once legal procedures are finalized.

A high-level committee, which includes the director of industrial safety and health, the member-secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), and the additional director of public health, has submitted its findings to the chief secretary.

The report highlighted that many workers were not trained in emergency response and confirmed that the factory's emergency alarm did not activate during the incident, which hindered timely evacuation.

Additionally, the investigation pointed out the unsanitary and overcrowded conditions in the workers' dormitory located within the factory, primarily housing young women.

In response to these alarming findings, the TNPCB plans to enforce stricter regulations for future industrial approvals, including requiring worker accommodations to be situated outside factory premises and establishing sterile buffer zones around hazardous sites.