Death toll rises to 5 in Tamil Nadu ammonia gas leak
Three more women succumbed to injuries from an ammonia gas leak at a private fish meal export factory in Tiruvallur district, raising the death toll to five, the state Health and Family Welfare Department confirmed on Monday.
The incident occurred on June 21 at Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam during routine operations, affecting 74 workers. Two deaths were recorded by 8 pm on June 21, while three additional deaths were reported overnight, according to a department release.
67 workers still under treatment across four hospitals
As of Monday, 67 individuals remain hospitalised, with two discharged after receiving care. The exposed workers presented symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation, including breathlessness, coughing, chest discomfort, respiratory distress, and eye and respiratory tract irritation.
Patients are being treated at four medical facilities. Vels Medical College Hospital admitted 29 cases, with eight on ventilator support, 11 in the intensive care unit on oxygen, and 10 stable. Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital is treating 18 patients, including eight on ventilators and 10 stable. Stanley Medical College Hospital has 10 cases, with five on ventilators, one on non-invasive ventilation, and four stable. Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai is treating 10 patients, all on ventilators.
Emergency response and investigation underway
Following the leak, emergency medical teams, district officials, police, and fire services were swiftly mobilised. The exact cause of the gas leak is under investigation by authorities, the release stated.
