Ammonia Gas Leak at Chennai Fertiliser Unit Hospitalizes Over 25 Individuals
A major incident at a fertiliser manufacturing unit in Ennore, north Chennai, rattled the community as an ammonia gas leak occurred late on Tuesday night, leading to the hospitalization of more than 25 people. The leakage, identified within the sub-sea pipe of Coromandel International Limited, triggered an alarming odour that swiftly spread through the nearby neighbourhood, causing discomfort, nausea, and faintness among residents, particularly those in areas like Periya Kuppam adjacent to the facility.
The Tamil Nadu Environment and Forest Department confirmed the detection of the ammonia gas leak in the sub-sea pipeline, leading to a swift response. Emergency services were deployed promptly after reports of the leak surfaced, with affected individuals rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Coromandel International Limited’s President, Amir Alvi, highlighted that the company’s Standard Operating Procedure was immediately activated upon noticing the abnormality in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline. Alvi assured the public that the situation was swiftly contained, and all affected individuals were attended to, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety standards and emergency response protocols.
The incident triggered a wave of panic among the public, leading to evacuations and gatherings on the streets seeking assistance. However, reassurance came from police officials who confirmed that the gas leak was contained, urging residents to return home as experts addressed the technical issue. The Forest Department received immediate notification of the leak during the pipeline’s pre-cooling operation, prompting a rapid response from environmental and safety authorities to assess and address the situation on-site.
The authorities on the ground swiftly managed the situation by diverting the ammonia vapour to a safe location, completing the operation within a short span of 20 minutes after detecting the drop in pipeline pressure. The Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, District Environmental Engineer, and safety authorities were promptly present at the site, coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected area and its residents.
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