Tiruvallur ammonia gas leak: 3 more dead; toll rises to 5
Sixty-seven patients have been admitted to four hospitals, with a significant number on ventilator support
The death toll in the ammonia gas leak accident at the production unit of a private fish meal export factory in Tiruvallur district rose to five, after three more women were declared dead, the state Health and Family Welfare Department said on Monday (June 22).
Sixty-seven others are still undergoing treatment following the tragic incident.
74 workers affected
The industrial chemical accident occurred on Sunday (June 21) during routine operations in the Kannigaipair and Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam, affecting a total of 74 workers, a release issued by the state Health and Family Welfare Department said.
Also read: Ammonia leak at Thiruvallur seafood unit kills 2 women, more than 60 hospitalised
Two fatalities were recorded by 8 pm on Sunday, while three additional deaths were reported overnight, it added.
Two individuals have been discharged after receiving medical care.
Following the leak, emergency medical response teams, district administration officials, police, and fire and rescue services were swiftly mobilised to the site.
67 patients admitted to four hospitals
The exposed individuals displayed symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation, including breathlessness, coughing, chest discomfort, varying degrees of respiratory distress, and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
The 67 patients currently under observation are receiving care across four medical facilities, with a significant number requiring critical support. Vels Medical College Hospital has admitted 29 cases, with eight on ventilator support, 11 in the intensive care unit with oxygen support, and 10 in stable condition.
Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital is treating 18 patients, including eight on ventilators and 10 who are stable.
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Ten cases are under treatment at Stanley Medical College Hospital, where five are on ventilators, one is on non-invasive ventilation, and four are stable.
Another 10 patients are receiving treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai, all of whom are currently on ventilators.
The exact cause of the gas leak incident is currently under investigation by competent authorities, the release said.
(With inputs from agencies)