Seven killed in suspected ammonia leak at Tiruvallur seafood unit; CM Vijay announces Rs 2-lakh compensation for victims' kin

At least seven workers were killed and several others hospitalised after a suspected ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export unit in Tamil Nadus Tiruvallur district on Sunday officials told news agency IANSThe incident occurred at a private seafood processing facility in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam where a large number of migrant workers from Assam Odisha and Jharkhand were employed Many workers also resided within the factory premisesAccording to officials around 120 workers including women were present at the facility when the leak reportedly originated from the units refrigeration or processing system and spread through parts of the premisesWorkers exposed to the gas complained of breathing difficulties dizziness and irritation triggering panic at the facility Several workers rushed out in search of safety while others collapsed after inhaling the suspected toxic fumesAccording to government data 64 workers including 60 women and four men were affected by the incidentEmergency response teams police personnel and local authorities rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations The affected workers were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatmentWorkers suffer respiratory complications after suspected gas leakWhile authorities initially reported one death the toll later rose to seven as medical teams continued treatment and rescue effortsGovernment sources said 15 workers are under intensive monitoring at a government hospitalAnother 23 workers have been admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital while 24 others remain under observation at a separate private medical facilityDoctors said several workers suffered serious respiratory complications due to inhalation of the gas and are being closely monitoredChief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the victims and expressed condolences to their kinCM Vijay announces relief measures as seven workers die in gas leakHe directed officials to extend assistance from the Chief Ministers Public Relief Fund and ensure that the bodies of the victims are transported to their hometowns at government expense for last ritesThe chief minister also instructed authorities to provide the best possible treatment to those injured and facilitate compensation and benefits available under the Employees State Insurance ESI scheme and the Employees Compensation ActVijay ordered the formation of a threemember inquiry committee to investigate the cause of the leak and directed it to submit a detailed report within 24 hoursThe probe will examine safety protocols maintenance procedures and any possible lapses at the facility Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incidentIn the wake of the tragedy the state government has ordered inspections of hazardous industries across Tamil Nadu to verify compliance with safety normsThe incident has once again raised concerns over industrial safety standards and the welfare of migrant workers employed in highrisk sectorsWith IANS inputs