5 dead and more than 1000 hospitalized due to gas leak in Vizag
Five people including one child died and more than 1000 were hospitalized after gas leakage from a chemical plant at RR venkatapuram village in the vizag district of Andhra Pradesh. Several people were admitted to the hospital after they complained of burning sensation in eyes and they data-faced breathing difficulties.
The police, ambulance have reached the spot to control the situation. Footages of the incident show many people lying unconscious on the roads near the chemical plant. Some people can be seen wearing masks and helping those who are showing signs of difficulty in breathing.
As per reports, the gas has been neutralized and NDRF team has reached the spot. It is learned that the maximum impact of the gas leak was about 1-1.5 km but the smell was in 2-2.5 km. An FIR has been registered. Greater visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Commissioner Srijana said, "Primary report is that poly vinyl chloride gas (or may be Styrene) {subject to correction} leaked from lg Polymers, Vepagunta near Gopalapatnam in visakhapatnam at around 2:30 AM today. Because of the leakage of the said compound gas hundreds of people have inhaled it and either fell unconscious or having breathing issues. 5 deaths so far have been officially reported. Further deaths if any will be declared as and when we receive information. GVMC is trying to subside the effect by blowing water through most blowers and public address systems have been pressed into service asking them to use masks (after wetting them in water)."