7 Killed, 62 Hospitalized in Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas Leak Tragedy

Chennai: A suspected toxic ammonia gas leak at a private seafood export processing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Sunday killed at least seven workers and left 62 hospitalized.

The tragedy occurred at a facility in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam, which employs a large number of interstate migrant workers. Around 120 labourers—primarily women from Assam, Odisha, and Jharkhand—were inside the factory premises, where many also reside, when the toxic gas leaked from the unit’s refrigeration system.

Key Highlights

• The Disaster: A major ammonia gas leak at a seafood export unit in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Casualties: 7 workers confirmed dead; 64 heavily affected (including 60 women and 4 men).
• Current Status: 15 victims are in intensive monitoring at a government hospital, 23 are in a private ICU, and 24 are under observation.
• Government Action: CM C. Joseph Vijay announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and formed a 3-member probe panel.

Panic and Chaos as Toxic Gas Spreads

According to official sources, the leak originated in the factory’s refrigeration or processing division and rapidly engulfed the facility. Workers exposed to the gas began experiencing sudden dizziness, severe respiratory distress, and burning sensations. In several extreme cases, victims suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose due to acute chemical inhalation.

As the gas spread, panic gripped the unit. While many managed to flee the building in a desperate bid for safety, several workers collapsed on the floor after inhaling the dense, toxic fumes.

Emergency response teams, police, and local authorities rushed to the spot to launch a massive rescue operation, evacuating 64 affected individuals to nearby medical facilities.

Medical Update: Dozens in Critical Condition

While early reports indicated a single casualty, the death toll rapidly jumped to seven as victims succumbed during treatment. Doctors treating the survivors noted that the toxic gas had caused severe respiratory complications.

Chief Minister Announces Relief, Orders 24-Hour Probe

Expressing profound grief over the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.

“The bodies of the deceased workers will be transported back to their native states at complete government expense for final rites,” CM Vijay declared. He further directed district authorities to guarantee the highest quality medical care for the injured and fast-track financial assistance through the ESI scheme and the Employees’ Compensation Act.

Strict Crackdown on Industrial Safety

Taking immediate administrative action, the Chief Minister has constituted a three-member high-level inquiry committee to investigate the exact cause of the leak. The panel has been mandated to inspect the site immediately and submit a comprehensive report within 24 hours.

The local police have registered a criminal case to investigate potential violations of industrial safety regulations and maintenance lapses. In the wake of this disaster, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered a state-wide safety audit and mandatory inspections of all hazardous industries to prevent future tragedies.