Chennai, June 22:
A toxic ammonia gas leak at a private shrimp processing unit near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district has left two workers dead and over 60 others affected, according to the Tamil Nadu government, even as conflicting reports from the spot claimed a higher toll.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed deep grief over the incident and immediately ordered a high-level probe. A three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the cause of the leak, with instructions to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a final report in three days.
While some unconfirmed reports suggested that up to seven women workers—reportedly from North India—had died, Health Minister Arunraj dismissed these claims as inaccurate, maintaining that only two fatalities had been officially confirmed. He added that several of the injured remain in critical condition and are undergoing treatment in intensive care units with ventilator support.
The incident occurred at M/s. St. Peter and Paul Seafood Exports Private Limited, where workers were suddenly exposed to ammonia gas, a highly toxic industrial chemical. Victims reportedly suffered severe respiratory distress due to excessive inhalation, with some experiencing bleeding from the nose and mouth, along with eye irritation.