At least 10 people lost their lives and hundreds fell sick after a gas leak from a Chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. According to reports, hundreds of villagers were taken to nearby hospitals in Visakhapatnam area with complaints of headache, vomiting and breathing problems.
As per reports, gas leakage at LG Polymers industry at RR Venkatpuram took place at 3:00 am. The incident led to panic among residents in the radius of 3 kilometres. As soon as the news of gas leak came to light, local police rushed to the affected area and evacuated hundreds of people.
The NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed in the area and rescue operation is underway in nearby areas. The exact cause of the leakage is yet to be known.
There are several videos of people lying and fainting on the streets have gone viral on the internet. In Horrific videos and photos surfacing from the affected areas showcase dozens of people lying unconscious on the roads. Many can be seen trying to reach ambulances with unconscious children in their arms.
“I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Over 800 people have been hospitalised. The gas has been neutralised now,” says Andhra DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang.
“The gas leak was an accident. They were strictly following all protocols. Investigation underway. Forensic teams are also being sent to the spot,” says Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang.
“Locals reported throat and skin irritation and some toxic infection, then police and administration came into action. About 1000-1500 people have been evacuated, of which more than 800 people have been taken to hospital,” said SN Pradhan, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) DG.