Chennai: The death toll in Monday’s ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district rose to seven on Monday, while 68 workers undergo treatment across multiple hospitals.According to a health department bulletin, two deaths were reported by 8pm on Sunday. Three more fatalities were recorded by 7am on June 22, followed by two additional deaths by 5pm on the same day.As many as 28 patients are being treated at Vels Hospital, 18 at Venkateswara Hospital, Tiruvallur, 12 at RGGGH and 10 at Stanley Medical College and Hospital. Workers from several states were among those affected. Odisha accounted for the highest number of victims, 29, followed by Assam (20) and Jharkhand (8). Five of the affected were from Tamil Nadu, three from Kerala and one from West Bengal. The identities of two others are yet to be confirmed.The seven deceased were all women, most of them from Odisha. The victims were identified as Shibani, Jumani Juang, Geetha Juanga, Purnima Juanga, Champabati Juanga and Parbavathi Jaunga. One deceased woman yet to be identified is suspected to be Phulomani Juanga from Odisha.“Authorities have initiated an investigation into the source and cause of the leak. We have also recommended continuous surveillance of exposed workers for delayed respiratory complications, environmental monitoring of the affected premises, a review of industrial safety and emergency response systems, and occupational health and safety audits at similar facilities in the district. The situation continues to be closely monitored and remains under surveillance,” said Health secretary Darez Ahmed.Doctors treating the patients said prolonged exposure to ammonia caused severe respiratory distress, facial swelling and lung damage. Those in a critical condition have been shifted to govt hospitals in Chennai. Stanley govt medical college hospital Dr A Aravind said, “As many as 12 patients were treated at the hospital from Sunday, of which two critically ill patients expired on the same night. At present, 10 patients are being treated at the hospital, and one more patient from Vels Hospital has been transferred for further treatment.”
