Odisha: Suspected gas leak at prawn processing unit, 80 workers fall sick

At least 80 people fell sick and were admitted to a hospital after toxic gases leaked from a prawn processing plant in Khantapada area in Odisha's Balasore district on Wednesday, November 13. According to reports, the incident took place around 8:30 pm on Wednesday. The affected people were immediately taken to the Khantapada primary health for treatment. 

Seven factory officials detained

According to a police officer, the toxic gas was Ammonia.

"As per preliminary information, it is suspected that ammonia gas leaked at the processing unit and things will be clear after a thorough examination," he said.

The Police DGP Bijay Kumar Sharma said a case has been registered into the incident and six factory officials have been detained. A special forensic team is from Bhubaneswar is also assisting in the probe he said. The fire brigade from Balasore reached the site to assist, however, the doctors said the situation is under control and the affected people will be discharged after they received first-aid. 

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Owners claim no leakage at the site

According to sources, the district collector and  K Sudarsan Chakrabarty and SP B Jugalkishore visited the site. The state's Labour Commissioner Susant Singh who visited the site said strict action will be taken against those responsible.  The IG of Police said the site has been sealed and an enquiry into the incident has been initiated. Meanwhile, the owner of the prawn processing unit Tara Patnaik claimed there was no leakage at the site and the incident happened due to bleaching materials stored in the factory. 

In a similar incident in Mumbai, the BMC(Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) and MGL (Mahanagar Gas) received several complaints from locals about a foul smell or a gas odour believed to be a gas leak. Reportedly, the odours emerged from Chembur, Govandi, Chandivali, Powai and Ghatkopar. 

(With agency inputs)

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