Ammonia gas leaked from a fertiliser manufacturing unit in Ennore, north Chennai on Wednesday and several people have been hospitalized.
The leak occurred around 11:45 pm on December 26, emanating an odour that caused discomfort throughout the neighbourhood.
Over 25 individuals in residential areas like Periya Kuppam near the manufacturing facility reported feeling unease, nausea, and faintness.
They were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals, as per sources.
How did the gas leak affect people?
According to representatives of fishermen villages, Chinna Kuppam, Periya Kuppam, Netaji Nagar, Burma Nagar in north Chennai were among the affected neighbourhoods.
People had a tough time finding vehicles midnight and used whatever vehicles were available like autorickshaws and motorcycles to reach hospitals.
An elderly woman fainted after bouts of vomiting and she was rushed to a hospital in an autorickshaw. Buses and ambulances were also deployed by authorities to immediately bring affected people to hospitals many kilometers away from the location of the fertiliser unit.
Some fishermen and local people who happened to be on the beachfront at midnight noticed unusual sound and water gushing out from select spots above the subsea pipeline.
Upon news of the gas leak, residents evacuated their homes in panic, gathering on roads and seeking assistance. Simultaneously, officials from the fertiliser unit reportedly took measures to address the technical issue.
What is the administration saying?
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma. Subramanian meets those admitted at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital after the ammonia gas leak at a chemical factory in Ennore. He spoke to the victims and the hospital authorities.
According to ANI, Meyyanathan Siva V, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Tamil Nadu said, "Coromdandel International Limited Industry to be shut till further orders."
Police personnel reassured the public that experts were addressing the problem and urging them to return home, emphasizing that "there is no problem."
Coromandel International Limited, a Murugappa group company said in a statement: "As part of routine operation, we noticed abnormality on 26/12/2023 at 23.30 hrs in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline near shoreside, outside the plant premises. Our Standard Operating Procedure activated immediately, and we have isolated ammonia system facility and brought the situation to normalcy in the shortest time."
During the process, the company said, "few members in the local community expressed discomfort and were given medical attention immediately. All are safe and normalcy is restored. We have informed relevant authorities about the incident. Coromandel has always adhered to the highest safety standards and emergency response system."
People hold protest against the negligence
People have held protests after the Ammonia gas leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore.
