Chennai, June 25: The Tamil Nadu ammonia leak has claimed another life. A woman from Odisha died during treatment in Chennai, taking the death toll to 11. The ammonia gas leak happened at a seafood export company in Thiruvallur district on June 21.
Officials identified the woman as Rita Juwanga from Odisha’s Keonjhar district. Doctors treated her for several days. However, she later died in hospital.
Gas Leak Affected 77 Workers
The accident took place at the Peter & Paul seafood export company in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam. An ammonia gas leak occurred from a cooling pipe inside the factory. At the time, workers were staying inside the factory campus. As a result, the gas affected 77 employees.
Many workers suffered breathing problems and other health issues. Soon after the leak, officials shifted them to government and private hospitals in Chennai and Thiruvallur.
Many Workers Still in Hospital
Doctors admitted 13 patients to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. At present, nine patients remain in the intensive care unit. Some of them are receiving ventilator support.
Vel’s Hospital admitted 33 patients after the incident. So far, two patients have recovered and returned home. However, three patients died during treatment. The remaining 28 patients are still receiving medical care.
Venkateswara Hospital in Thiruvallur admitted 19 patients. One patient died, while 18 people continue treatment. Government Stanley Hospital treated 12 patients. Two patients lost their lives. Meanwhile, 10 others remain under medical care.
Bodies Sent to Odisha
Earlier this week, officials completed post-mortem examinations on the bodies of five Odisha workers. After that, authorities embalmed the bodies and sent them to Bhubaneswar by air for the final rites.
Investigation Continues
Officials continue to monitor the condition of the injured workers. At the same time, authorities are investigating the cause of the ammonia leak. So far, officials have not announced the final reason for the accident.