Following the incident at the factory, occurring approximately at 11:45 pm on Tuesday, an offensive smell permeated the surrounding area.
Around 25 individuals were admitted to the hospital due to discomfort following an ammonia gas leak at a fertilizer production facility in north Chennai’s Ennore on Tuesday night.
An ammonia gas leakage was identified in the sub-sea pipeline of Coromandel International Limited. Nearby residents, particularly in areas like Periya Kuppam near the plant, reported symptoms including discomfort, nausea, and dizziness. Over 25 individuals were subsequently rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, according to PTI reports.
Tamil Nadu’s Environment and Forest Department informed ANI about the detection and cessation of the ammonia gas leak in an Ennore sub-sea pipe. The department stated that the leak, causing a strong odor, was promptly halted upon discovery, as confirmed by the production head.
Upon learning of the gas leak, locals evacuated their residences in panic, congregating on the streets and seeking aid. Sources informed PTI that officials from the fertilizer unit promptly took measures to address the technical problem.
According to ANI, the unit noticed a drop in pipeline pressure around 11:45 pm, coinciding with the detection of a strong, unpleasant odor.
Tamil Nadu’s Environment and Forest Department stated that the unit swiftly inspected the pipeline location near the road and identified gas bubbles emerging from the pipeline approximately 2 feet away from the shoreline. Consequently, immediate measures were taken by the unit to depressurize the pipeline. They diverted the ammonia vapor to the flare and successfully concluded the operation within a span of 20 minutes.