At least 25 people were hospitalized in north Chennai’s Ennore after an ammonia gas leak occurred at a fertiliser manufacturing unit on Tuesday night. The incident, reported around 11:45 pm, led to an unpleasant odour spreading across the neighbourhood.
The leak was identified in the sub-sea pipe of Coromandel International Limited, and residents in areas near the facility experienced discomfort, nausea, and faintness. More than 25 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
According to the Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department, the leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore, causing a strong smell. Coromandel International Limited’s President and Head Manufacturing (Fertiliser) and Supply Chain, Amir Alvi, stated that the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline near the shoreside, outside the plant premises, experienced an abnormality. The company’s Standard Operating Procedure was immediately activated, and the situation was brought to normalcy. All affected individuals received prompt medical attention.
As news of the gas leak spread, residents evacuated their homes in panic, gathering on the roads. The officials from the fertiliser unit took steps to address the technical issue. Police officers assured the public that experts were actively addressing the problem, urging residents to return home as there was no further danger.
The forest department received a call at 12:45 am, and officials promptly inspected the unit and pipeline locations. The unit observed gas bubbles coming out of the pipeline near the shore, and immediate measures were taken to depressurize the pipeline and divert ammonia vapour to the flare, completing the operation within 20 minutes.
While the situation is now under control, authorities continue to monitor and address the aftermath of the ammonia gas leak.
Read Now:Salman Khan Celebrates 58th Birthday with Fans and Paparazzi
