Gas leak at chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, 7 dead, 200 hospitalised

A toxic gas leak in a chemical plant in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday claimed 7 lives, including a child. Meanwhile, as many as 200 people have been admitted to hospitals in Vishakhapatnam with difficulty in breathing and burning sensation in eyes. The residents near the chemical gas plant of LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd in the RR Venkatapuram village reported burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing, the officials said. According to the information, the gas leak took place late at night.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) said in a tweet: "There is gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalpatnam. Requesting Citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions." Hindustan Polymers, the place where the incident took place, is operated by South Korea's LG Chem and renamed as LG Polymers India in 1997.

The plant manufactures polystyrene and expandable polystyrene, a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products like toys and appliances and has been in operation since 1961.

https://twitter.com/GVMC_OFFICIAL/status/1258214533044162560?s=20

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote: "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."

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Likewise, President Ram Nath Kovind that "Saddened by the news of gas leak in a plant near Visakhapatnam which has claimed several lives. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the recovery of the injured and the safety of all."

-PTC News