Tamil Nadu Ammonia leak death toll rises to 5, joint probe ordered
The death toll in the ammonia gas leak incident at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district has risen to 5, with 3 more women workers succumbing on Monday after 2 fatalities were reported a day earlier.
Labour Welfare Minister J Mohamed Farvas informed the Assembly that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered a joint investigation by officials from the Health Department and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The team has been directed to submit a preliminary report within 24 hours and a detailed report within three days.
The accident occurred on June 21 at a private seafood processing and export facility near Periyapalayam when ammonia leaked from a pipeline during routine operations. A total of 74 workers, including 70 women, were affected and hospitalised with symptoms such as breathlessness, eye irritation, coughing and respiratory distress.
The Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and directed authorities to facilitate the transportation of the victims' mortal remains to their native places at government expense. Compensation under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme and other relief measures will also be expedited.
The government has assured strict action against those responsible if safety or operational lapses are found during the investigation. Officials said 67 affected workers remain under treatment and medical observation, while the exact cause of the leak is still being probed.
