Ammonia Leak Claims Lives at Tiruvallur Factory
An ammonia gas leak at a private fish meal export factory in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district has resulted in five fatalities, with dozens more fighting for recovery. The incident, which occurred on June 21 at a production unit in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam, initially claimed two lives, with three additional deaths reported overnight, according to the state Health and Family Welfare Department.
In total, 74 workers were exposed to the toxic gas during routine operations at the factory. The leak triggered a large-scale emergency response involving medical teams, district administration officials, police, and fire and rescue services.
Dozens Hospitalized, Many Critical
As of the latest update, 67 workers remain hospitalized across four medical facilities in Chennai and Tiruvallur district, with many requiring critical support. Two workers have been discharged after receiving initial medical care.
Exposed individuals reported symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation, including breathlessness, persistent coughing, chest discomfort, eye irritation, and varying degrees of respiratory distress.
- Vels Medical College Hospital: 29 patients, 8 on ventilator support, 11 receiving oxygen in ICU.
- Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital: 18 patients, 8 on ventilators.
- Stanley Medical College Hospital: 10 patients, 5 on ventilator support.
- Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), Chennai: 10 critically affected workers, all on ventilators.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the ammonia leak. Officials are scrutinizing safety protocols, operational procedures, and potential equipment failures at the factory to prevent future tragedies.