A disruption occurred in Tamil Nadu's Ennore due to an ammonia gas leak from the pipeline of a private company, leading to the hospitalization of 12 individuals, as per information provided by the police.
The incident unfolded at Coromandel International Limited, a company engaged in the manufacturing of fertilizers and utilizing ammonia as a crucial raw material. Authorities received notification from the company around 12:45 am, reporting an ammonia gas leak during the pre-cooling operation of the pipeline.
The leakage prompted distress among the local residents, primarily from villages like Periyakuppam and Chinnakuppam, who reported experiencing a strong odor, respiratory difficulties, and general discomfort.
In response, the police and district administration promptly coordinated the deployment of ambulances and public transport to relocate residents to alternative locations. According to police sources, 12 villagers were admitted to the Stanley Hospital, and their condition is reportedly stable. Others were relocated to community halls and other venues during the late-night hours.
The company successfully managed to contain the gas leak during the night, and the situation is now deemed under control, as affirmed by the police.
A subsequent inspection by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board team revealed that, at 3:30 am, the ammonia level in the ambient air near the material gate measured 3ppm (2090 microgram/m3 against the 400 microgram/m3 24-hour average).
In an official statement, the company acknowledged the incident, citing an abnormality in the ammonia unloading sub-sea pipeline near the shoreside outside the plant premises. They asserted that standard operating procedures were immediately activated, isolating the ammonia system facility and restoring normalcy promptly. A few members of the local community expressing discomfort received immediate medical attention, ensuring their safety and well-being. The company reassured adherence to the highest safety standards and emergency response protocols, having duly informed the relevant authorities about the incident.
