Bhubaneswar: The death toll of Odia workers in the tragic ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district climbed to five on Monday, with all victims hailing from Keonjhar district.
The deceased have been identified as Jimani Juang, Gita Juang, Bhumia Juang, Shivani Juang, and Phulamani Juang.
The incident occurred on Sunday at a private seafood processing and export unit in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam. A suspected ammonia leak from the factory’s refrigeration system released toxic fumes, affecting workers inside the facility. Many of the workers, including women, were residing in the factory premises.
According to official reports, around 120 migrant workers from Odisha, Assam, and Jharkhand were present at the time of the leak. As many as 64 workers — 60 women and 4 men — suffered from breathing difficulties, dizziness, and irritation after inhaling the gas. Several of them collapsed on the spot and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
In response to the tragedy, the Odisha government has deputed a three-member high-level team to Tamil Nadu to coordinate rescue and relief efforts and extend all possible assistance to the affected Odia workers. The team includes Labour & ESI Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Agrawala, Additional Labour Commissioner Madan Mohan Paik, and Labour Directorate Technical Consultant Bhakta Bandhu Acharya.
Further details regarding the condition of the injured workers are awaited.
