Tragic Ammonia Gas Leak Claims Nine Lives in Tamil Nadu
Ammonia Gas Leak Incident Overview
Photo: @ians_india/X
Chennai, June 23: The ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing and export facility near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district has tragically resulted in nine fatalities, with health officials confirming an additional death on Tuesday.
This incident, which took place on June 21 in the Kannigaipair-Manjangaranai region, is being regarded as one of the most severe industrial accidents in Tamil Nadu in recent years.
As reported by the Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department, approximately 80 individuals were impacted by the gas leak.
While two workers have been treated and released, 69 others are still receiving care and are under medical observation in hospitals across Chennai and Tiruvallur.
The number of casualties has been steadily increasing since the incident occurred. Initially, two deaths were reported on the night of June 21, and by Monday evening, the toll had reached six, with three additional workers succumbing to their injuries by Tuesday morning.
Most of the deceased were women migrant workers employed at the seafood processing plant.
Official data indicates that seven of the deceased hailed from Odisha, while the other two were from Assam.
Authorities noted that many of the affected workers were on duty at the time of the leak. Medical professionals treating the victims reported that ammonia inhalation led to severe respiratory issues.
Several patients are experiencing breathing difficulties, eye irritation, persistent coughing, and respiratory distress, with some still requiring intensive medical care.
The injured individuals are currently being treated at Vels Hospital, Venkateswara Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, and Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.
Emergency response teams, ambulances, and public health personnel were promptly deployed following the incident, while police and fire services coordinated the evacuation and rescue efforts.
Health officials are conducting ongoing monitoring of the workers who were exposed to the gas.
Environmental assessments have also commenced around the factory to evaluate any lasting effects of the gas leak.
The government has mandated a review of industrial safety protocols and emergency response strategies at the site.
Additionally, a three-member committee established by the State government to investigate the incident is anticipated to present its interim findings to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday.
Authorities have stated that the precise cause of the ammonia leak is still under investigation, and the situation is being closely monitored.