Kolkata: At least 25 people, including women and children, fell seriously ill after ammonia gas leaked from an ice factory at Haroa late on Sunday night. The affected people were taken to hospital for treatment.Angry residents later blocked the Berachampa-Haroa Road by burning tyres, demanding immediate closure of the factory. They alleged there were repeated gas leaks from the facility and urged the administration to take strict action.Tension prevailed in the area for several hours after the incident.According to locals, around 10.30 pm on Sunday, several people fell ill in the Shapukur area after the gas leak at the factory.“The ammonia gas soon spread to the surrounding areas, causing several villagers, including women and children, to suffer breathing difficulties and other symptoms,” a local trader said.Cops from Haroa Police Station and a fire engine reached the spot after being alerted. The cause of the leak is being investigated.“Preliminary investigations suggest that a gas chamber accidentally burst, leading to an ammonia gas leak. We are investigating whether adequate safety measures were in place at the ice factory,” a Basirhat District Police officer said.
