Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas Leak: CM Orders Investigation; Instructs Officials to Submit Preliminary Report in 24 Hours

Chennai: An investigation has been ordered into the deaths of five workers following a gas leak at a factory in Tamil Nadu. The accident occurred due to an ammonia gas leak at a private seafood export factory in Thiruvallur. The factory is located in the Kannigaiper-Manjankaranai area near Periyapalayam. All five women who died in the accident were natives of Keonjhar in Odisha.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has formed a joint investigation team comprising officials from the Health Department and the Pollution Control Board to investigate the tragedy. The Chief Minister has directed that a preliminary report be submitted within 24 hours and a comprehensive report within three days.

A total of 74 workers suffered physical distress due to the gas leak and were admitted to hospitals. Of these, 67 remain under treatment, with some in critical condition.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

The Odisha government has begun efforts to bring the bodies back to the state at the earliest. Chief secretaries and officials from both Odisha and Tamil Nadu are in constant communication and coordinating closely. A team of officials from Odisha is camping in Tamil Nadu to oversee treatment and post-mortem procedures.