Death Toll Rises to 16 in Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas Leak
The death toll from the ammonia gas leak at an export facility in Tamil Nadu has risen to 16, with 25 workers still hospitalised, according to an official release. The industrial chemical accident occurred on June 21 during routine operations at the facility located in the Kannigaipair/Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam.
Details of the Incident
The leak took place at a cold storage plant that uses ammonia as a refrigerant. Workers were exposed to the toxic gas during a routine maintenance operation. Initial reports indicated 11 fatalities, but the number has climbed to 16 as more victims succumbed to injuries. The 25 hospitalised workers are reportedly in stable condition, receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Impact and Response
Local authorities evacuated nearby residents and set up relief camps. The Tamil Nadu government has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the leak and whether safety protocols were followed. The facility has been temporarily shut down.
