Tragic Ammonia Leak at Tamil Nadu Seafood Facility Claims Ten Lives

The death toll from a devastating ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district has tragically risen to ten, according to an official statement from the state government on Wednesday. The incident, which took place on Sunday in the Kannigaipair-Manjangaranai area, has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in industrial operations.

The leak affected a total of 83 individuals, primarily workers at the facility who were exposed to ammonia during routine processing activities. Symptoms of ammonia inhalation were reported, including breathlessness, eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory distress. The state’s health and family welfare department confirmed that a substantial number of those affected were women, with 68 individuals currently receiving medical treatment and observation.

Of the 83 victims, 17 are on ventilator support while another 21 are receiving oxygen treatment through nasal support. Fortunately, 30 patients are in stable condition and have shown signs of improvement. However, the escalation of fatalities has been alarming; two deaths were reported on the day of the incident, followed by six more the following day, and additional fatalities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In a somber development, the remains of five deceased individuals were airlifted to Odisha on Tuesday. Authorities have confirmed that the bodies of the remaining five individuals will also be transported after completing the necessary legal procedures. This incident has not only impacted families and communities but has also sparked discussions regarding industrial safety standards and the urgency for stricter regulations in Tamil Nadu’s seafood processing sector.

The state government has assured citizens that investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the leak and to prevent such incidents in the future. As the tragedy unfolds, the community calls for accountability and enhanced safety measures to protect workers in hazardous environments.

Source: scroll.in