Tragic Ammonia Leak in Tamil Nadu Claims Nine Lives

Ammonia Gas Leak Incident in Thiruvallur District

The government has reported that the death toll from an ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing and export facility in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, has risen to nine as of Tuesday. This toxic gas leak occurred on June 21 during routine industrial operations, and all the deceased were women. According to the health department, 69 individuals were hospitalized, and their conditions are being closely monitored. The department has stated that surveillance and inspections are ongoing in the affected area to ensure public safety, while district administration and healthcare institutions are coordinating efforts related to treatment, monitoring, and response.

Among the deceased women, seven were from Odisha and two from Assam. The identified victims include Shibani, Jumani Juang, Geeta Juanga, Purnima Juanga, Champavati Juanga, Parvati Juanga, Sita Hansda, and Anjita Soren, while the identity of one individual remains unknown.

The leak occurred at a facility located near Periyapalayam in the Kanigai Pair/Manjungaranai area. Those affected exhibited severe symptoms of ammonia exposure, including difficulty breathing, coughing, chest discomfort, and irritation in the eyes and respiratory tract. Of the hospitalized individuals, 27 were treated at Wells Hospital, 18 at Venkateswara Hospital, 11 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, and 13 at Stanley Medical College Hospital. Two others have already been discharged. An investigation into the cause of the incident is currently underway. The health department has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide appropriate medical care for all affected individuals as the death toll has now reached nine.