An ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing factory near Tiruvallur on Saturday turned fatal, with seven workers reported dead due to suffocation. Nine others are undergoing intensive treatment, officials said.
The incident occurred at a shrimp unit in Periyapalayam, where a large number of workers were on duty when the gas reportedly leaked suddenly. Several workers inhaled the fumes and developed severe breathing difficulty; some were said to have bled from the mouth and nose, triggering panic at the site.
Medical teams rushed to the spot and shifted those who fainted to hospital for treatment. Authorities said details on how the gas leaked have not yet been made public.
National Disaster Response Force personnel entered the facility wearing protective gear, and a committee has been formed to conduct a full inquiry. Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital doctor Santharam has been named to head the panel, and police said further legal action would follow based on its report.
Police have arrested the factory administrator, identified as Daniel. Governor-in-charge Vishwanath Arlekar expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those hospitalised, while Chief Minister Vijay directed the district administration to ensure specialised care and all necessary assistance for the injured.
