Seven workers were killed and nearly 70 others affected after an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district late Sunday night. The incident triggered panic in the surrounding area, with several workers collapsing due to inhalation of the toxic fumes.
Authorities reported that the leak occurred during routine operations at the factory, leading to immediate evacuation of staff and nearby residents. Emergency services rushed the affected individuals to local hospitals, where many are undergoing treatment for respiratory distress and eye irritation.
District officials confirmed that the situation has been brought under control, with fire and rescue teams sealing the leak and ventilating the premises. A probe has been ordered to determine lapses in safety protocols and the exact cause of the leak.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced compensation for victims. He also directed officials to ensure strict enforcement of industrial safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about hazardous chemical handling in seafood factories, with calls for stronger monitoring and worker safety training across Tamil Nadu’s industrial units.
