Tamil Nadu Gas Leak Tragedy: Death Toll of Odia Workers Rises to 7
The incident has plunged several villages in Keonjhar of Odisha into mourning, with grieving families awaiting the return of their loved ones
Bhubaneswar: The death toll of Odia workers in the ammonia gas leak incident at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu has risen to seven, with two more workers succumbing to their injuries while undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said on Tuesday.
One of the deceased was identified as Sajani Juang of Kodipasa village in the Jamunijuang area of Odisha's Keonjhar district. The identities of the other deceased workers are being verified.
The bodies of five workers who died in the tragedy are expected to be brought to Odisha later in the day. State government officials, coordinating with the Tamil Nadu administration, are overseeing the transportation of the mortal remains and providing assistance to the affected families.
All the deceased belonged to the Juang tribal community of Keonjhar district. Three of them were residents of Telkoi block, while the remaining two hailed from Banspal block.
The incident has plunged several villages in Keonjhar into mourning, with grieving families awaiting the return of remains of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, four women workers continue to undergo treatment in hospitals. According to sources, the condition of three of them remains critical, raising concerns that the death toll may increase further.
A three-member team deputed by the Odisha government has been stationed in Tamil Nadu and is maintaining close coordination with local authorities regarding the treatment of the injured workers and arrangements for the deceased.
The industrial accident occurred on Sunday at a seafood processing unit in Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district, where an ammonia gas leak exposed several workers to toxic fumes, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving many others hospitalised.
In the wake of the tragedy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an enhancement of financial assistance for the families of the deceased to Rs 10 lakh each.
The Odisha government said it is closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible support to the bereaved families as well as the injured workers undergoing treatment in Tamil Nadu.
