7 workers died, more than 40 hospitalized due to gas leak in Tamil Nadu’s seafood factory; Know what has happened so far in 10 points

Tamil Nadu Ammonia gas leak accident: A tragic industrial accident came to light in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Sunday, where a private seafood export unit was contaminated with ammonia. Chaos due to gas leak There was an uproar. The accident took place near Periyapalayam in Kannigaipair area, where several guest workers living in the factory premises were exposed to poisonous gas.

According to the police, about 120 guest workers were living in the factory premises, which included laborers from Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand. Due to Sunday being a holiday, most of the workers were present in their rooms when the ammonia gas released from the seafood processing unit spread throughout the premises. Many workers had trouble breathing, while some also complained of bleeding from the mouth and nose.

10 big things about the accident

1. Ammonia gas leak creates panic: Ammonia gas suddenly started leaking from the seafood export unit, which engulfed the factory premises within a short time. After the gas spill, a stampede-like situation was created among the workers.

2. 120 workers were present in the factory premises: According to the police, about 120 guest workers were living in the factory premises at the time of the accident. These also included women, who had come to Tamil Nadu from different states for employment.

3. 7 laborers died, more than 40 injured: The condition of many workers deteriorated due to exposure to gas. Of those rushed to the hospital, 7 laborers died, while more than 40 people are undergoing treatment.

4. Many workers had trouble breathing: Workers had difficulty breathing due to the effects of ammonia gas. Some people complained of problems like burning sensation in the eyes, nervousness and weakness in the body.

5. Critical patients sent to Chennai: Nine laborers in critical condition were shifted from a private hospital to the government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai for better treatment.

6. Administration and rescue team arrived immediately: As soon as information about the incident was received, teams of Periyapalayam Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Health Department and Revenue Department reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations were started.

7. NDRF’s chemical team took charge: Following the demand of the district administration, NDRF’s CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) team was sent from Arakkonam. A 30-member team reached the spot with gas detection equipment.

8. Police registered the case: Periyapalayam police has registered a case in this matter. How the accident happened and where the safety lapse occurred is being investigated.

9. Government formed three-member inquiry committee: Chief Minister Vijay has given instructions to form a three-member committee to investigate the incident. The committee includes officials from the Industrial Safety and Health Department, Pollution Control Board and Health Department.

10. Interim report in 24 hours, final report in 3 days: The government has asked the inquiry committee to submit the initial report within 24 hours and the final report within three days. Besides, instructions have been given to provide better treatment to the affected workers.