Visakhapatnam: 8 dead, 1,000 sick after gas leaks from chemical plant

More than 200 people are in hospitals after the gas leaked from an LG Polymers facility located in the city.

Several people were found unconscious in lanes, ditches and roads.

According to initial reports, styrene gas from the plant spread over a radius of about three kilometres, affecting at least five villages. Hundreds of people fell unconscious after inhaling the poisonous gas.

The gas reportedly spread over a radius of about three kilometres, affecting at least five villages including R.R. Venkatapuram, Padmapuram, B.C. Colony and Kamparapalem.

Residents near the Chemical Gas plant reported of burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing, officials said.

Many cows, dogs have died after getting exposed to the poisonous gas.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to visit Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

Reacting to the gas leak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam."

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted, " I’m shocked to hear about the #VizagGasLeak . I urge our Congress workers & leaders in the area to provide all necessary support & assistance to those affected. My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery."

(Image Credit: UNI)