Odisha Minister Confirms Efforts to Repatriate Bodies of Five Workers
Odisha Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shriram Sahu, stated on Tuesday that the state government is actively working to bring back the mortal remains of five workers who died in an ammonia gas leak at a factory in Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred on Monday at a chemical plant in the industrial area of Manali, Chennai.
Details of the Accident and Response
The gas leak took place at a unit of the Tamil Nadu-based company, resulting in the deaths of five workers from Odisha. Several others were hospitalized with respiratory distress. The Odisha government has been in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu administration to ensure proper medical treatment for the affected workers and to expedite the process of repatriating the bodies.
Minister Sahu said, "We are in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu government to ensure all necessary assistance is provided to the affected workers. Our priority is to bring back the bodies of the deceased as soon as possible." He added that the state government has deployed officials to Chennai to coordinate with local authorities.
Government Assistance and Compensation
The Odisha government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government has assured full support for the treatment of the injured. The minister also mentioned that the state is monitoring the health condition of the workers undergoing treatment in hospitals.
An official statement from the Odisha government confirmed that the state's Resident Commissioner in Chennai is in direct contact with the Tamil Nadu administration. "We are ensuring that the families of the victims are informed and all formalities for the transportation of the mortal remains are completed at the earliest," the statement read.
Background of the Incident
The ammonia gas leak occurred due to a valve malfunction in the storage tank, according to preliminary investigations. The factory, which produces fertilizers, has been sealed pending further inquiry. The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety standards in the region.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences and directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families. The opposition parties have also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and compensation for the victims.
