Tamil Nadu: Several Dead, Scores Hospitalized Due To Gas Leak In Tiruvallur

Chennai: A major incident has been reported from Tamil Nadu. At least seven people are feared dead and 70 have been hospitalized following an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in the state's Tiruvallur district. The incident occurred at the 'St. Peter Paul Seafoods Exports' facility located in Kanigaiper, near Periyapalayam. Following the incident at the shrimp processing unit, the headquarters of the 4th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Arakkonam was immediately informed of the emergency. Rescue operations are currently underway at the site. Chief Minister Vijay has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Why did Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Seek Report Within 24 Hours?

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has directed the formation of a committee to investigate the ammonia gas leak incident. The committee comprises the Director of Industrial Safety and Health, the Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board, and the Additional Director of Public Health. This three-member committee is tasked with submitting an interim report within 24 hours and a final report within three days. The Chief Minister has instructed the IT Minister (who is also the supervising minister for Tiruvallur) to immediately reach Tiruvallur along with Monitoring Officer Dr. K.P. Karthikeyan (IAS) and, in coordination with the District Collector and district administration, ensure that all possible assistance and medical treatment are provided to those affected.

Was NDRF Special Team Engaged in Operation?

Efforts to contain the ammonia gas leak at the 'St. Peter Paul Seafoods Exports' plant in Tiruvallur district are ongoing. A 30-member NDRF rescue team from Chennai has arrived at the site equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gas detection devices, and specialized CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) rescue equipment to conduct emergency operations. Rescue work and efforts to bring the situation under control are continuing at the scene. Seafood is a highly perishable commodity. In seafood processing, ammonia (R-717) is primarily used in industrial refrigeration systems and ice plants. It is a crucial component of the 'cold chain' that keeps fish and shrimp fresh. It is capable of maintaining very low temperatures (ranging from -30°C to -60°C).