New Delhi (NVI): At least eight people have been reported dead after a gas leakage incident at LG Polymers chemical plant, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The gas leaked at the plant in the wee hours today, at around 2,30 AM, and spread in the nearby area, affecting some villages.
“Because of the leakage of the said compound gas hundreds of people have inhaled it and either fell unconscious or having breathing issues,” said Commissioner at Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC).
“Primary report is that polyvinyl chloride gas (or maybe Styrene) leaked from LG Polymers, Vepagunta near Gopalapatnam in Visakhapatnam at around 2:30 AM today,” the GVMC official said.
In a statement, the GVMC said that it is trying to subside the effect by blowing water through mist blowers and public address systems have been pressed into service asking people to use masks (after wetting them in water).
Precautionary Measures for Gas Leak accident. pic.twitter.com/kMVNi4zBI1
— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020
The plant has been reportedly shut since the last 40 days due to coronavirus lockdown and a minimum staff was deployed inside.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said that he has spoken to MHA and NDMA regarding the incident.
“Spoke to officials of MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely.
“I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam,” he said in a tweet.
Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely.
I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2020
