Tamil Nadu Gas Leak Death Toll Rises to Nine, All Victims Women from Odisha

Chennai: The death toll in the ammonia gas leak at a private seafood export factory in Thiruvallur has risen to nine. The accident occurred at the factory located in the Kannigaiper-Manjankaranai area near Periyapalayam. All nine victims, who hailed from Keonjhar in Odisha, were women. Those identified include Shibani, Jumani Juang, Geeta Juang, Purinama Juang, Champabati Juang, Parbavati Juang, Sita Hasda and Anjita Soren. One victim remains unidentified.

The gas leak occurred on Sunday during routine work at the plant in the Kannigaiper-Manjankaranai area near Periyapalayam. A total of 74 workers suffered physical distress due to the leak and were admitted to hospitals. Of these, 69 remain under treatment across various hospitals — 27 at Wells Hospital, 18 at Venkateswara Hospital, 11 at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, and 13 at Stanley Medical College Hospital. Two have been discharged.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has formed a joint investigation team comprising officials from the Health Department and the Pollution Control Board to probe the tragedy, directing that a preliminary report be submitted within 24 hours and a comprehensive report within three days. The Health Department and the district administration are jointly intensifying surveillance in the affected areas and ensuring that the injured receive the necessary medical care.