Hyderabad, 21 June
7 Women Killed, Dozens Hospitalised After Toxic Ammonia Gas Leak at Seafood Unit
A major industrial tragedy struck Tamil Nadu on Sunday, June 21, after an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district claimed the lives of at least seven women and left dozens of workers hospitalised.
The incident occurred at St Peter’s Paul Seafoods Exports Private Limited, located in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam. According to officials, the leak is suspected to have originated from the shrimp processing facility and rapidly spread across the premises.
More Than 130 Migrant Workers Were Staying at the Facility
Reports indicate that around 134 migrant workers, including 74 women from Assam, Odisha, and Jharkhand, were residing within the factory premises, where accommodation had been arranged by the company.
Soon after the leak, workers complained of severe breathing difficulties, while some reportedly suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose. Emergency services rushed to the spot and shifted the affected workers to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Several Workers in Critical Condition; 7 Women Killed, Dozens Hospitalised After Toxic Ammonia Gas Leak at Seafood Unit
Officials stated that over 60 workers were hospitalised following the leak. At least nine women in critical condition were transferred to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai for advanced treatment.
Tamil Nadu Information Technology Minister R. Kumar, who visited the affected site, said that 23 people were admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), while the condition of other patients remained stable.
What Happens When Ammonia Is Inhaled?
Ammonia is commonly used as a refrigerant and cooling agent in food preservation and seafood processing industries.
According to Sangeetha Dharmalingam, Professor at Anna University, ammonia inhalation can have immediate and severe effects on the human body.
“The brain gets affected immediately due to ammonia inhalation. Oxygen levels in the body decrease, and gradually other organs may also get affected,” she explained.
Massive Rescue Operation Launched
Following the incident, personnel from the Periyapalayam Police Station, Fire and Rescue Services Department, Revenue Department, Health Department, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) launched extensive rescue and relief operations.
Authorities evacuated affected workers and secured the area to prevent further casualties.
Chief Minister Orders Probe, Announces Compensation
Reacting to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the cause of the gas leak.
The committee includes:
- Director of Industrial Safety and Health
- Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
- Additional Director of Public Health
The panel has been instructed to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a final report within three days.
The Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
Governor Expresses Condolences
Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi Arlekar expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
In a statement, the Governor said he was deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the ammonia leak. Industrial safety experts and government agencies are examining safety protocols followed by the seafood processing unit. – 7 Women Killed, Dozens Hospitalised After Toxic Ammonia Gas Leak at Seafood Unit
Further details, including the identities of the deceased workers, are awaited.