One dead after ammonia leak at Tamil Nadu seafood plant:Over 60 hospitalised; NDRF deploys specialised response team

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, around 120 migrant workers, including women from Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand, were living 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. Teams from the police, Fire and Rescue Services, revenue department and health department reached the site and launched rescue operations. 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, protective gear and specialised rescue equipment, was sent to assess the impact of the leak, secure the area and support rescue efforts. Periyapalayam police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.