10 Dead & Over 5000 Ill After Poisonous Gas Leaks From Chemical Plant In Visakhapatnam

There has been a deadly toxic gas leak from a chemical plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam allegedly leaving 10 people dead, including a child, reports TOI.

Nearly 5,000 people have fallen sick due to the incident and 200 people have been hospitalised after they complained of ‘burning sensation in the eyes’ and ‘difficulty in breathing’, reports NDTV.

The chemical plant belonged to the multinational firm LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd. The plant makes polystyrene and expandable polystyrene – a “versatile plastic” used to make a variety of products like toys and appliances.

The news was confirmed by Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on Twitter.

There is gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalpatnam. Requesting Citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions.

— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020

Citizens living in the areas near the plant have been requested to stay indoors and to cover their face/nose/mouth with a wet mask/cloth.

CORE & VULNERABLE AREAS MAP OF PVC GAS LEAKAGE. REQUESTING CITIZENS TO USE WET MASKS OR WET CLOTH TO COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH. pic.twitter.com/7u9U5zDBLN

— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020

According to TOI, many people have been spotted lying unconscious on the road.

Pained that yet another tragedy has hit Vizag amidst the battle against #Covid19. It is now, when we must work harder than before to ensure safety for all.

I request my Youth Congress family to provide every possible assistance to help those affected by the #VizagGasLeak. pic.twitter.com/cmzUVfqdeX

— Srinivas B V (@srinivasiyc) May 7, 2020

Besides a burning sensation in the eyes and breathlessness, some have also complained of rashes on their bodies.

Soon after the incident occurred and word spread, police rushed to the area and started evacuating the roads.

Vizag: Over 1,000 people fell sick and many faced breathing difficulties after an alleged gas leak at a chemical plant at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area close to Gopalapatnam. #VizagGasLeak pic.twitter.com/yRAxHogONB

— TOI Vizag (@TOIVizagNews) May 7, 2020

TOI further reports that the exact cause of the leak hasn’t yet been identified.

The authorities are currently carrying out a probe into the matter and are simultaneously helping the people who have been affected by the gas leak.

Right now gas has been neutralised. One of the antidote is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. Investigation will be carried out to see how this happened: Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang. #VizagGasLeak https://t.co/qIe0doOEmV

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020

A special NDRF team skilled in handling chemical accidents, conducts search and evacuation at #VizagGasLeak site

(Video courtesy: NDRF DG) pic.twitter.com/07og9WYk8Z

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 7, 2020

#VizagGasLeak update @NDRFHQ at work assisting local people & admin on site @PIBHomeAffairs @ndmaindia @vizagcitypolice @vizagcollector @HMOIndia @BhallaAjay26 pic.twitter.com/UnhSOYkosv

— ѕαtчα prαdhαnसत्य नारायण प्रधान ସତ୍ଯପ୍ରଧାନ-DG NDRF (@satyaprad1) May 7, 2020

Andhra Pradesh: Chemical gas leakage reported at LG Polymers industry in
RR Venkatapuram village, Visakhapatnam. People being taken to hospital after they complained of burning sensation in eyes&breathing difficulties. Police, fire tenders, ambulances reach spot.Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/uCXGsHBmn2

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020

Here’s a list of preventive measures issued by the Andhra Pradesh Police for the people living around the affected area:

#VizagGasLeak Preventive measures pic.twitter.com/oFm2FrGvbt

— AP Police (@APPOLICE100) May 7, 2020

Pray for Vizag!

Cover: Source.