Ammonia Gas Leak at Tamil Nadu Factory Claims Five Lives from Odisha
A fatal ammonia gas leak at a fish meal factory in Tamil Nadu has resulted in the deaths of five migrant workers from Odisha. State officials are coordinating to provide ex gratia relief and ensure proper care for the injured survivors.
Highlights
- •Five migrant women from Odisha died in an ammonia gas leak at a Tamil Nadu factory.
- •The industrial accident occurred at a fish meal plant in Tiruvallur district.
- •Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for each victim's family.
- •Government officials from Odisha are coordinating with Tamil Nadu authorities for medical and logistical aid.
A tragic industrial incident involving an ammonia gas leak has claimed the lives of several migrant workers in Tamil Nadu. The accident occurred at a private fish meal export facility located in the Kannigaipair-Manjangaranai region, near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district. Authorities confirmed that all of the deceased were individuals hailing from Odisha.
Reports indicate that a total of 74 workers were affected when the toxic gas leaked at the site on Sunday. While two deaths were recorded by Sunday evening, three additional fatalities were confirmed overnight, bringing the tragic total to five. Officials from Odisha have verified that all five victims were women originally from the Keonjhar district of Odisha.
State Response and Support Measures
In the wake of this fatal ammonia gas leak, the Odisha government has mobilized swiftly to assist the affected families. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has officially announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker, funded through the CM's Relief Fund. The administration is currently prioritizing the repatriation of the victims' remains to their native places.
Odisha Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathy noted that government representatives have reached the site to coordinate essential activities. These include managing post-mortem formalities and ensuring that injured workers receive adequate medical care. A specialized team of officials has been deployed to work in tandem with the Tamil Nadu administration to facilitate these arrangements.
Furthermore, coordination between the two state governments remains continuous. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has maintained direct communication with her counterpart in Tamil Nadu to oversee the response efforts. While one body was moved to Chennai on Sunday night for a post-mortem, the others remain in Tiruvallur for similar procedures. According to officials on the ground, several of the injured workers are currently receiving treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition. Authorities are focusing on ensuring the necessary medical support and administrative procedures are completed promptly to provide relief to the affected families during this difficult time.
