The death toll resulting from an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export facility near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district has reached 10, with 68 workers currently undergoing treatment in hospitals in Chennai and nearby areas. The leak occurred on June 21 at the seafood processing unit, causing exposure to toxic ammonia fumes among workers during regular operations. Immediate symptoms included breathing difficulties, eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory distress, leading to a swift emergency response.
A total of 83 workers were impacted by the incident, with 5 having recovered and been discharged while 68 are still under medical care. Among those hospitalized, 17 patients are on ventilator support, and 21 are receiving oxygen therapy. An additional 30 workers are in stable condition and under observation. The number of fatalities has been steadily rising since the accident, with two deaths on the night of the leak, climbing to eight the following day, and reaching a total of 10 deaths as of the latest report.
The affected workers include individuals from Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Odisha has the highest number of affected workers, with 33 individuals currently undergoing treatment, followed by Assam with 16 patients and Jharkhand with 9. All 10 victims were women, with 8 from Odisha and 2 from Assam among the deceased. The injured workers are receiving treatment at various hospitals including Vels Hospital, Venkateswara Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, and Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.
Authorities have already airlifted five bodies to Odisha, with arrangements being made for the transportation of the remaining deceased after legal procedures are completed. The Tamil Nadu government has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident, including medical surveillance of affected workers, environmental monitoring of the factory premises, and a review of industrial safety protocols. Emergency response teams, along with medical, police, fire, and rescue personnel, are actively involved in relief and monitoring efforts as the situation continues to be closely monitored.
