Chennai: The death toll from the ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export facility near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district has risen to 10, even as 68 workers continue to receive treatment in hospitals across Chennai and neighbouring areas, according to the latest Health and Family Welfare Department bulletin released on Wednesday.
The leak occurred on June 21 at the seafood processing unit located at Kannigaipair-Manjangaranai near Periyapalayam, exposing scores of workers to toxic ammonia fumes during routine operations. Several employees immediately reported breathing difficulties, eye irritation, persistent coughing and respiratory distress, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Officials said a total of 83 workers were affected by the incident. While five have since recovered and been discharged, 68 remain under medical care. Among those hospitalised, 17 patients are on ventilator support, and 21 are receiving oxygen therapy.
Another 30 workers are reported to be stable and are being kept under observation. The number of fatalities has steadily increased since the accident.
Two workers died on the night of the leak, while the toll climbed to eight by the following day. One additional death was reported on June 23 and another on Wednesday, taking the total number of victims to 10.
The affected workers include migrants from Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala and West Bengal, besides employees from Tamil Nadu. Odisha has recorded the highest number of affected workers, with 33 persons currently undergoing treatment.
Assam accounts for 16 patients, while nine workers from Jharkhand are also receiving care.
Health authorities confirmed that all 10 victims were women. Eight of those who died were from Odisha, and the remaining two were from Assam. The injured workers are being treated at Vels Hospital, Venkateswara Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.
Authorities said five bodies have already been airlifted to Odisha, while arrangements are being made to transport the remaining mortal remains after completion of legal procedures.
The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. Officials said medical surveillance of affected workers, environmental monitoring of the factory premises and a review of industrial safety practices are being carried out.
Emergency medical teams, police, fire and rescue personnel and public health officials remain engaged in relief and monitoring efforts as the situation continues to be closely watched.
(IANS)
