Ammonia gas leak horror: 7 workers dead in Tamil Nadu seafood plant tragedy

A senior police officer from Tiruvallur district told The Hindu that a private company named Peter & Paul Seafood Export Company is engaged in the processing of shrimp and exporting them.

An ammonia leak from the gas tank caused the workers, who are mostly migrant labourers from northern India, to gasp for breath, he said.

According to reports, an NDRF team was immediately deployed to rescue the patients.

The rescued workers, who needed treatment, were rushed to multiple hospitals in the city.

The condition of some of the persons were said to be serious.

Rajmohan, the Minister for School Education, told The Hindu:  “Two special teams of senior doctors from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital have been rushed to Periyapalayam, while another team of doctors from Tiruvallur GH has also been deployed at the site.”

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy.

He wrote on X: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic ammonia gas leak incident at a shrimp processing factory in Kannigaipair Village , near Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur district, which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and caused injuries to several workers."

He further said: "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. I pray for strength and courage for them during this difficult time."

According to reports, CM Vijay has announced the formation of an enquiry committee to probe the incident.