The death toll in the ammonia gas leak incident at a private seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district climbed to five with three more women workers succumbing in hospital on Monday (June 22, 2026).
A total of 67 persons are undergoing treatment and remain under medical observation in various hospitals, according to a media bulletin issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on Monday (June 22).
According to the bulletin, a total of 74 individuals were reported as affected in the incident of which two died on Sunday (June 21). As of 7 a.m. on Monday, three additional fatalities were reported.
Of the 67 workers undergoing treatment, 18 were admitted to Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital, 29 to Vels Medical College Hospital, 10 to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital and 10 to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Of them, 31 persons were on ventilator support, 11 were in the Intensive Care Unit with oxygen support and one was on non-invasive ventilation support. The remaining 24 workers were reported to be in a stable condition.
The Health department continues to closely monitor the situation and ensure the availability of appropriate medical care for all affected persons. It is coordinating with the district authorities and healthcare institutions to facilitate timely treatment, surveillance and response activities.
The ammonia gas leak was reported on Sunday (June 21, 2026) at a private seafood processing and export facility in Kannigaipair/Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district. The incident is reported to have occurred during routine industrial operations, resulting in the exposure of workers present at the site. Emergency medical response teams, district administration officials, police personnel, fire and rescue services and public health authorities were promptly mobilised to manage the incident and ensure timely medical assistance to those affected.
The person primarily presented with symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation, including breathlessness, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, coughing, chest discomfort and varying degrees of respiratory distress. The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the competent authorities, the bulletin said.
Elaborating on the public health response, the department said that emergency medical teams and ambulances were mobilised immediately and victims were shifted to nearby government and private hospitals for treatment. Monitoring and assessment of the affected area were undertaken to ensure public safety. Rapid medical assessment and treatment of all exposed persons were taken up.
In addition, the department immediately recommended continuous surveillance of exposed workers for delayed respiratory complications, environmental monitoring of the affected premises and review of industrial safety systems and emergency response protocols. It also recommended conduct of occupational health and safety audits of similar facilities in the district.
Published - June 22, 2026 09:40 am IST
industrial accident / Chennai / labour
Source: The Hindu - India News
