Bhubaneswar, June 22: Following the ammonia gas leak incident at a seafood export unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district, an Odisha government team has reached Chennai on the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to oversee relief and assistance for the affected Odia workers.
The team, led by Labour and ESI Department Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawala, will visit Tiruvallur to assess the condition of the injured workers undergoing treatment at various hospitals. Joint Labour Commissioner M.M. Paik will remain in Chennai to coordinate with hospital authorities and local officials, while Rajesh Agrawala and B.B. Acharya will proceed to Tiruvallur.
The post-mortem examination of the deceased Odia workers is scheduled to be conducted on Monday. Several injured workers continue to receive treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition. Meanwhile, around 130 workers have been accommodated at a nearby community hall, where food and other essential supplies are being provided.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased workers. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
Following the Chief Minister's instructions, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg held discussions with her Tamil Nadu counterpart to ensure proper medical treatment and all necessary assistance for the affected Odia workers. Arrangements have also been made to provide support to the workers' families.
According to reports, the ammonia gas leak occurred on Sunday at a seafood export unit near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district. The leak took place at the St. Peter's Paul Seafoods Export factory located at Kanigaipair.
The incident claimed the lives of seven women workers and left 67 others ill. Two of the deceased women were from Odisha and have been identified as Jumani Juang and Malati. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident while rescue and relief measures continue.
