7 Dead, Dozens Hospitalized After Ammonia Gas Leak at Tamil Nadu Shrimp Factory

CHENNAI, June 21: Seven workers were killed and dozens of others hospitalised after an ammonia gas leak at a private shrimp processing factory in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district, officials said on Sunday.

The leak occurred at a seafood processing facility near Periyapalayam, where more than 300 workers from different states are employed and housed on the premises. Over 100 workers were reportedly on duty when the incident triggered panic, leaving many with severe respiratory distress.

According to officials, more than 70 workers experienced breathing difficulties, while some reportedly suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth before collapsing. Police and fire service personnel rushed to the factory, launched rescue operations and shifted the victims to nearby private hospitals.

Despite medical treatment, seven workers succumbed to their injuries. More than 10 others remain in critical condition and are undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit at Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai.

Tiruvallur District Collector Kavitha visited the factory to review the situation and later met the injured workers at hospitals. She also held discussions with doctors regarding treatment and the condition of the affected workers.

Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the ammonia leak, while rescue and monitoring operations continue at the factory. (Agencies)