7 killed, 67 critical in Tamil Nadu ammonia leak; CM Vijay orders probe

An ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur affected at least 67 people on Saturday. Six workers are in very critical condition as authorities investigate the cause and emergency teams contain the site.

In Short

• Victims reported breathing trouble and other symptoms soon after the leak
• Migrant workers from northern states were among those taken for treatment
• Patients were admitted to the nearby private medical colleges

At least seven migrant workers were killed and 67 others were affected after an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. Following the leak, the National Disaster Response Force's (NDRF) 4th Battalion headquarters in Arakkonam was immediately informed and mobilised to respond to the emergency situation.

The workers, including migrant staff from several northern Indian states like Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar employed at the factory, complained of breathing difficulties and other health issues after the leak. They were rushed to the nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to R Kumar, Tamil Nadu's Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, and Digital Services, 60 women and four men were exposed to the leaked gas, which was being used as a coolant in the factory's processing operations. Calling the incident "extremely tragic", he said Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to take strict action against those responsible.

The government has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

Authorities said an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident and the two owners of the company have been secured for questioning as investigations continue into the cause of the leak.

A THREE-MEMBER COMMITTEE FORMED TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT

Chief Minister Vijay has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the incident. The panel has been directed to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a detailed report within three days.

The committee will comprise the Director of Industrial Safety and Health, the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, and the Additional Director of Public Health to investigate the ammonia gas leak incident in Tiruvallur district. The panel has been directed to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a comprehensive report within three days.

CM Vijay had also instructed Kumar to rush to Tiruvallur along with the Monitoring Officer, IAS Dr KP Karthikeyan to give the best possible care to the affected in coordination with the District Collector and district administration.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed grief over the tragedy. In a statement, he said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries caused by the ammonia leak.

The Governor conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for strength and courage for them during the difficult period. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident and undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

- Ends