Ammonia Gas Leak Kills Two Women, Injures Over 60 at Indian Food Factory

A sudden leak of ammonia gas at a private food export factory in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu has resulted in the deaths of at least two women and left more than 60 people injured. The incident occurred Sunday at a plant processing and exporting seafood.

According to a statement from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay, 64 people working at the site were affected by the leak. The majority of those injured, around 60, were migrant workers from other Indian states. Fifteen individuals remain in intensive care at a state hospital, while 47 others are receiving medical attention in private clinics, with 23 in intensive care units.

The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced financial compensation of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,400) for each victim. The accident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have reported to the IANS agency that the plant had been operating illegally for a decade. They allege the factory was involved in recurring nighttime discharges of ammonia gas.

In response, the regional government has ordered an investigation by a commission comprising representatives from the Industrial Safety, Public Health, and Pollution Control departments. This commission is expected to submit a preliminary report within 24 hours and a final report within three days. Authorities also plan to conduct immediate inspections of all industries classified as "dangerous" in the region.