Ammonia gas leak stirs in Tamil Nadu: 67 workers in seafood factory fall ill, many in critical condition; investigation orders

Chennai/Thiruvallur. An ammonia gas leak incident at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Sunday created chaos. Dozens of workers were affected by a gas leak at a seafood export unit located near Periyapalayam. After the incident, the administration, health department and disaster relief agencies immediately swung into action.

67 workers affected, condition of many critical-
According to the district administration, 67 workers fell ill after being exposed to the gas leak. Many of these employees were admitted to the hospital after complaining of difficulty in breathing, dizziness and fainting. Nine seriously affected patients have been referred to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai for better treatment.

Most of the victims are young women-
According to hospital sources, a large number of the admitted patients are young female employees. Many patients have been kept in ICU, while some are being treated on ventilator support. Doctors say that due to timely treatment, the condition of most patients is under control.

NDRF team took charge-
As soon as information about the incident was received, a special team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was sent to the spot. Considering the seriousness of the gas leak, the team reached the spot with state-of-the-art safety equipment, gas detectors and chemical disaster management resources and started relief operations.

Possibility of gas leakage due to valve malfunction-
In the preliminary investigation, ammonia gas leakage is suspected due to a technical fault in a valve in the factory. However, the administration has clarified that the real reasons will be known only after a detailed investigation.

Chief Minister constituted high level investigation committee-
Taking the incident seriously, the Chief Minister has ordered an immediate high-level inquiry. A three-member committee has been formed and asked to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a detailed report within three days. The committee will investigate the safety standards, possible negligence and the causes of the accident.

Governor expressed grief-
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Governor has expressed condolences to the affected families. Wishing speedy recovery of the injured, he has instructed the administration to provide all possible assistance.

Questions raised on factory safety-
After this incident, questions have once again arisen regarding safety standards in industrial units. The administration has said that strict action will be taken against the culprits and necessary steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in future.