Over 120 migrant workers from Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand were staying on factory premises; nine critical patients shifted to Chennai hospital

A worker died and at least 60 others were hospitalised after an ammonia gas leak at St Peter's Paul Seafoods Exports Private Limited in Kannigaipair, near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district on Sunday.

According to police sources, around 120 migrant workers, including women from Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand, were staying on the factory premises in accommodation provided by the company. The incident occurred on the unit's weekly holiday.

The ammonia leak is believed to have originated from the seafood processing unit and spread across the campus. Many workers reported breathing difficulties, while some suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose.

The affected workers were taken to nearby private hospitals for treatment. One worker died while undergoing treatment, police said. Nine workers in critical condition were later shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai in 108 ambulances.

Some reports indicated that seven workers had died and more than 60 had fainted, with the deceased all said to be from North India. Bulging of lungs due to excessive inhalation of the toxic gas was cited as the cause of death.

NDRF CBRN Team Deployed

Following a request from the district administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed a specialised Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response team from its 4th Battalion in Arakkonam.

The 30-member team, equipped with gas detection devices, personal protective equipment and specialised rescue gear, was pressed into service to assess the impact of the leak, secure the area and assist rescue efforts.

Government Response

Teams from the police, Fire and Rescue Services, revenue department and health department reached the site and launched rescue operations.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay was "deeply pained" after hearing about the incident and directed the health department to provide the best treatment to the injured. The state government ordered a high-level probe headed by RGGGH Dean Dr Shantaram to investigate the reasons for the gas leak.

Tiruvallur district in-charge Minister Kumar rushed to the private hospitals, met the injured and enquired about their health condition. He said 60 women and four men affected by the gas leak were being treated.

Police have registered a case and an FIR against the firm. The owner was arrested while some more company officials were secured for interrogation.

Periyapalayam police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.