Ammonia Gas Leak Hospitalizes Over 25 in Chennai

Firm Releases Statement on the Incident

Ammonia gas leakage from a fertilizer manufacturing unit in Ennore, north Chennai, led to the hospitalization of several individuals, according to official sources. The incident occurred around 11:45 pm on December 26th.

After the plant's gas leakage, a report from the news agency PTI revealed that an uncomfortable odor spread throughout the neighborhood.

Sources reported that more than 25 individuals in residential areas like Periya Kuppam near the manufacturing facility suffered from discomfort, nausea, and faintness, leading to their transport to nearby hospitals.

Upon hearing about the gas leak, residents hurriedly evacuated their homes in panic, gathering on roads and seeking assistance. Simultaneously, officials from the fertilizer unit, as quoted by PTI, took measures to address the technical issue and mitigate the situation.

Police reassured the public, informing them that experts were handling the situation and urging them to return home, emphasizing that "there is no problem."

Following the detection of an ammonia gas leak in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore, people staged a protest on Wednesday. DIG, Joint Commissioner Avadi, Vijayakumar assured, "There are no more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People have returned home, and medical and police teams are present at the spot."

Amir Alvi, President and Head of Manufacturing (Fertiliser) and Supply Chain at Coromandel International Limited, stated that the company observed an anomaly in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline near the shoreside, outside the plant premises.

In an official statement, Amir Alvi mentioned, "Our Standard Operating Procedure activated immediately, and we have isolated the ammonia system facility, bringing the situation to normalcy in the shortest time."

Amir Alvi added, "During the process, a few members of the local community expressed discomfort and received immediate medical attention. We have informed relevant authorities about the incident. Coromandel has always adhered to the highest safety standards and emergency response says.