Seven dead, over 60 injured after Ammonia gas leak at seafood unit in Tamil Nadu

Seven women died and dozens of others were hospitalised after a major ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu's Thiruvallur district on Sunday.

According to a PTI report, the incident occurred at a shrimp processing facility in Manjangaranai village, where a large number of workers were exposed to ammonia gas.

Most of the affected workers are migrants from northern states. They reportedly experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness, and vomiting soon after the leak.

According to a report in The Hindu, Thiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha said that 67 workers were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Of them, 46 were admitted to Vels Hospital and 21 to Venkateshwara Hospital. Nine critically ill patients were later shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai for advanced medical care.

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Leak reportedly originated from valve

Preliminary information suggests that the ammonia leak originated from a measuring valve installed at the shrimp processing unit. Ammonia is commonly used as an industrial refrigerant in cold storage facilities attached to seafood processing plants.

Soon after the incident, emergency response teams were deployed to the site. A 30-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), equipped with gas detection devices and rescue equipment, carried out evacuation and safety operations.

Visuals from the area showed workers being taken to hospitals in ambulances as emergency personnel worked to contain the situation.

Government orders probe

According to an NDTV report, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has directed authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the incident. State IT Minister R. Kumar, who is overseeing relief efforts in the district, said that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the leak.

The Chief Minister has also ordered the formation of a three-member inquiry panel. The committee includes the Director of Industrial Safety and Health, the Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, and the Additional Director of Public Health.

The panel has been asked to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a final report within three days.

FIR registered, owner detained

According to the report, an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident, and the owner of the seafood processing facility has been detained for questioning.

Minister Kumar, District Collector S. Kavitha, Superintendent of Police Sai Praneeth, and other senior officials visited the site to assess the situation and monitor relief operations.

Governor Rajendra Arlekar expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of workers undergoing treatment, describing the incident as a deeply saddening loss of precious lives.