The death toll in the ammonia gas leak incident at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district has risen to seven, with all the deceased identified as workers from Odisha, Chief Secretary of Odisha Anu Garg said.
The incident has triggered relief efforts from the Odisha government, which has sent a team of senior officials to Tamil Nadu to coordinate assistance and support affected families.
Odisha sends officials for relief coordination
Chief Secretary of Odisha Anu Garg said the state government is closely coordinating with Tamil Nadu officials and ensuring necessary arrangements for the victims.
Speaking to reporters, Garg said, “We sent a team comprising of the Special Secretary of Labour Department along with two senior officials. There have been unfortunate deaths. We are told the latest is 7 deaths. I am in touch with the Chief Secretary of the state. They are making all possible arrangements,” she said on Monday.
She added that those affected by the gas leak are undergoing treatment and steps are being taken to bring back the bodies of the deceased.
“All the people who have been affected are being treated in either government or private hospitals… We will be getting back the bodies of the deceased soon. All the other steps that will be required, we will take,” Garg said.
74 workers affected in factory leak
The ammonia gas leak took place on June 21 during routine operations at a seafood processing factory in Kannigaiper village in Tiruvallur district.
Preliminary information suggests that the leak occurred due to a faulty valve, exposing workers at the site to the toxic gas.
Officials said a total of 74 employees were affected in the incident.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the ammonia gas leak.