The death toll from the ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district has continued to climb, with the latest reports indicating that nine workers have died and nearly 70 others remain under treatment or medical observation. Most of the victims are women employed at the private seafood export facility near Periyapalayam.
The incident occurred when ammonia gas, believed to have leaked from the plant's refrigeration or processing system, spread rapidly through the facility. Workers began experiencing severe breathing difficulties, dizziness, eye irritation and other symptoms associated with toxic gas exposure. Emergency services rushed to the site and transported affected workers to nearby hospitals.
Initial reports on Sunday confirmed two deaths and more than 40 hospitalisations. As the condition of several workers deteriorated, the death toll steadily increased over the following days, first reaching seven and then rising further. Authorities said many of the victims were migrant workers from states such as Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand who were employed at the seafood export unit.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered a detailed investigation into the tragedy. The state government has also announced the formation of a high-level committee to audit hazardous industries across Tamil Nadu and review safety standards at thousands of industrial units handling dangerous chemicals. The move comes amid growing concerns over workplace safety and compliance with industrial regulations.
Officials from the labour department, pollution control authorities and other agencies have launched inquiries to determine the exact cause of the leak and identify any lapses in safety procedures. Investigators are examining whether proper maintenance protocols, emergency response systems and worker protection measures were in place at the facility.
The tragedy has sparked widespread concern over industrial safety in the seafood processing sector, where ammonia is commonly used as a refrigerant. Experts warn that exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can cause severe respiratory distress, burns and potentially fatal complications.
As rescue and medical efforts continue, authorities are closely monitoring the condition of the hospitalized workers while the investigation seeks to establish accountability for one of Tamil Nadu's deadliest industrial accidents in recent years.
