At least seven people, including a child, died on Thursday morning after toxic gas leaked from a chemical plant of a company in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam city, NDTV reported, citing officials. Fire engines, the police and ambulances have reached the area to control the situation and around 200 people have been taken to the hospital.
The National Disaster Response Force has also been called in. Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Gautam Sawang has confirmed the toll, Hindustan Times reported.
The number of people who have fallen sick after the leak may be over 1,000, The Times of India reported. The leak reportedly occurred around 3 am at LG Polymers industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area. Workers were gearing up to reopen the plant when the gas began leaking, according to The Indian Express.
The incident triggered panic and several people were found unconscious on the streets as some faced breathing problems. Some people also complained of rashes on their body and burning sensation in their eyes.
Commissioner of Police, Visakhapatnam City, RK Meena said the “gas has been neutralised”. “Maximum impact was in about 1-1.5 km but smell was in 2-2.5 km,” he told ANI. “One hundred to 120 people have been shifted to the hospital.” He added that a first information report has been registered.
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