The death toll in the ammonia gas leakage tragedy in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district has risen to nine, the state government said on Tuesday.
According to a health department press release, the deceased, all women, have been identified as Shibani, Jumani Jwanga, Geetha Jwanga, Poornima Jwanga, Champapati Jwanga, Parbavati Jwanga from Odisha, and Sita Hasda and Angela Soren from Assam.
“As of June 23, 9 deaths have been reported,” the statement said.
The department said the infected individuals showed symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation, including shortness of breath, eye and respiratory irritation, coughing, chest discomfort, and varying degrees of respiratory distress.
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The government said, “The exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.”
A chemical leak occurred during routine industrial operations on June 21 at a special seafood processing and export unit in the Kanigaipur-Manjungarai area near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district, near Chennai.
According to Health Ministry officials, 80 people were affected by the accident, including 69 undergoing treatment while two people were discharged from hospital.
The Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the situation and ensure that appropriate medical care is available to all affected individuals.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ordered an inspection by a three-member committee comprising Director Industrial Safety and Health, Member Secretary Pollution Control Board and Additional Director Public Health to submit a preliminary report within 24 hours.
The final report is expected on Tuesday, people familiar with the matter said.
