Tamil Nadu Gas Leak: Seven Workers Killed After Ammonia Gas Leak at Seafood Processing Plant in Tamil Nadu
A deadly ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu claimed seven lives and left dozens hospitalized raising fresh concerns over industrial safety standards
Tamil Nadu Gas Leak: A major industrial tragedy unfolded in Tamil Nadu after an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing plant claimed the lives of seven workers and left dozens of others requiring medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has raised serious questions about workplace safety measures at the facility.
The accident occurred at a private shrimp processing company located in Kannigaipettai village near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district. According to preliminary findings, ammonia gas suddenly leaked inside the factory, causing workers to experience breathing difficulties and collapse within minutes.
Most of the affected employees were migrant workers from different states. Officials said six of the seven victims were women, many of them in their mid twenties. The sudden nature of the leak left workers with little time to react before the toxic gas spread through the workplace.
More than seventy four workers fell ill during the incident and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment. Several victims were admitted to Vels Hospital and Venkateswara Hospital, while those in critical condition were shifted to Chennai for advanced care.
Doctors treating the victims reported that multiple patients remain under intensive medical supervision. Some are on ventilator support, while others have undergone emergency respiratory procedures due to severe exposure to the gas.
Initial investigations suggest the leak may have been triggered by a valve failure in the cold storage unit of the factory. Technical teams are examining the equipment to determine the exact cause and whether maintenance lapses contributed to the disaster.
Tiruvallur District Collector S Kavitha visited both the accident site and the hospitals treating the injured workers. She stated that a detailed inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding the leak and identify any safety violations at the company.
The incident has shocked the local community and highlighted the importance of strict industrial safety practices, especially in facilities handling hazardous substances. Authorities are expected to take further action once the investigation report is completed.
