Seven women died and 60 workers were hospitalised following a major ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Manjangaranai near Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday. The incident occurred at the factory, affecting a total of 67 workers who were rushed to local medical centres immediately, according to Thiruvallur District Collector S Kavitha.
Details of the Incident
The gas leak took place at the seafood processing unit, leading to the hospitalisation of 67 affected workers. Among them, 46 are being treated at Vels Hospital and 21 at Venkateshwara Hospital. Nine of the most critically ill patients have been transferred via ambulances to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai for advanced care. The deceased were all women workers who succumbed to the effects of the gas leak during treatment.
Victims and Medical Response
A senior treating doctor from a private hospital informed reporters that the affected workers are predominantly young women aged between 24 and 25 years. The doctor stated, "They are alive, and we can monitor their pulse and blood pressure, though their blood pressure is currently tracking quite low. Because they are young, we are optimistic they will recover. We are also arranging to shift four to five of the more critical patients to a government facility for advanced care." The medical teams are closely monitoring the patients, with a focus on stabilising their vital signs.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
District Collector S Kavitha visited the factory site and met with patients at the hospitals to oversee relief measures. A formal investigation has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the valve failure that led to the ammonia gas leak. Authorities are also probing potential safety lapses at the export unit, which may have contributed to the incident. The leak highlights ongoing concerns about industrial safety in the region, particularly in seafood processing facilities where ammonia is commonly used as a refrigerant.
Impact and Ongoing Efforts
The ammonia gas leak resulted in the tragic death of seven women workers, with 60 others hospitalised, some in critical condition. The affected workers are receiving medical care at multiple hospitals, with the most critical cases transferred to a government facility for specialised treatment. The investigation aims to determine the root cause of the leak and to prevent future incidents. Authorities are expected to take corrective actions based on the findings to enhance worker safety in industrial units.
