Even more than 12 individuals were reportedly admitted to the hospital after an ammonia gas leak occurred from a private chemical manufacturing factory's pipeline in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, during the late hours of December 26. The residents detected a strong odour resulting from a rupture in a sub-sea pipe belonging to Coromandel International Limited, a company engaged in the production of fertilizers that utilize ammonia as a primary ingredient.
The emission of gas instilled fear and anxiety among the people (living in areas like Periyakuppam, and Chinnakuppam), who reported a strong odour, respiratory distress, and discomfort.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Ammonia gas leak detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. This was noticed and stopped. The production head says the leak caused a strong smell and five people felt uneasy and were shifted to a health facility. They are fine now: Officials pic.twitter.com/bhCE0vjWSF— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023
The incident took place during the pre-cooling process of the pipeline. According to the police, the company managed to contain the gas leak during the night, and the current situation is now under control.
What was the Incident?
According to reports, Supriya Sahu, the Environment Secretary of Tamil Nadu state, stated that she was informed about the leakage at 12:45 am IST (Dec 27). The leakage occurred in a pipeline that was transporting ammonia to an industrial unit and happened while the pipeline was undergoing a pre-cooling operation.
For inspection officials are believed to have reached the incident site around 2:15 am. According to their findings, the affected unit experienced a drop of pressure in the pipeline at around 11:45 pm, after which a pungent odour spread in the entire area.
In response, the unit promptly closed off the pipeline and redirected the ammonia vapour to the flare. This procedure was successfully finished within 20 minutes.
The Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department subsequently issued a statement: "Ammonia gas leak detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. This was noticed and stopped. The production head says the leak caused a strong smell and five people felt uneasy and were shifted to a health facility. They are fine now." as quoted in ET.
The fishing community has strongly criticized the incident and called for Ennore to be declared as an area affected by industrial accidents. They have also urged the authorities to take action against the responsible companies and requested compensation for themselves.
#WATCH | Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu: People hold protest after Ammonia gas leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore.
According to DIG, Joint Commissioner Avadi, Vijayakumar, there are no more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People are back home. Medical and police teams are… pic.twitter.com/APYymkgY6X— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023
What does an ammonia leak do?
Immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract occurs when exposed to high levels of ammonia in the air. This exposure can lead to blindness, lung damage, or even death.
(With Input from agencies)
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