A major gas leak at the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam has left 10 people dead, including a child. Hundreds of villagers were rushed to nearby hospitals in Visakhapatnam with complaints of headache, vomiting and breathing problems.
The Visakhapatnam gas leak took place at LG Polymers chemical plant around 2.30 am on Thursday. The death toll has now gone up to seven and the evacuation process is still on in the nearby areas.
Horrific videos and photos surfacing from the nearby villages show scores of people lying unconscious on the roads. Many were seen trying to reach ambulances with unconscious children in their arms.
FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES ON THE VIZAG GAS LEAK:
2.05 PM: Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has reached Vizag.
2.02 PM: A total of 193 people, including 44 children, have been admitted to the King George’s Hospital.
2 PM: One of the victimS of gas leak includes a medical student of Andhra Medical College University. Two children, including a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old are among the dead. A 73-year-old also sucumbed to injuries after falling down.
1.40 PM: Initial investigation reveals a gas valve malfunction led to the valve bursting and causing the massive gas leak that has left at least 10 dead.
1.35 PM: Death toll in the Vizag gas leak incident has gone up to 10.
1.30 PM: The spread of styrene monomer vapours in the air depends on the wind speed and currently personnel are working to neutralise the air with chemicals such as 4-tert-Butylcatechol (TBC), a senior official of the Department of Factories said.
Exposure to styrene, also known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene can affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression.
1.25 PM: LG Chem, based in South Korea, that manages the LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam, has said, “The gas leak situation is now under control and we are exploring all ways to provide speedy treatment for those who suffer from inhaling the leaked gas. We are investigating the extent of damage and exact cause of the leak and deaths.”
1 PM: Former Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu writers to Centre, seeks immediately closing down of the LG Polymers unit. Naidu has also sought a thorough enquiry into the gas leakage. He has said, “Post enquiry, shift the entire unit to Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that has no population in the vicinity.”
12.45 PM: Andhra Pradesh Industries Minister MG Reddy says, “The company managing the LG Polymers plant has to be responsible for the gas leak. They will have to come and explain exactly what all protocols were followed, and what all were not followed. Accordingly, criminal action will be taken against them.”
12.40 PM: Right now gas has been neutralised. One of the antidote is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. Investigation will be carried out to see how this happened: Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang.
12.30 PM: “Over 800 people have been hospitalised. The gas has been neutralised now,” says Andhra DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang.
12.20 PM: “The gas leak was an accident. They were strictly following all protocols. Investigation underway. Forensic teams are also being sent to the spot,” says Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang.
11.50 AM: GVMC officials are blowing water in the chemical plant vicinity to reduce the effects of the gas leak.
11.35 AM: PM Modi’s meeting with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has started to discuss the situation in Visakhapatnam.
11.30 AM: Eight people have died due to the massive gas leak in Visakhapatnam. Among the dead is an 8-year-old child.
11.25 AM: President Ram Nath Kovind says, “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.”
11.20 AM: Train movement has been stopped near the Vishakapatnam gas plant after the leakage. Train movement near Simhachalam station has been stopped. Trains are being diverted and some are being regulated.
11.15 AM: “Locals reported throat and skin irritation and some toxic infection, then police and administration came into action. About 1000-1500 people have been evacuated, of which more than 800 people have been taken to hospital,” said SN Pradhan, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) DG.
11 AM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: Painful news from Visakhapatnam. I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the tragic incident. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the safety and well-being of all the people in Visakhapatnam.
10.40 AM: PM Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Jaganmohan Reddy, assures all help.
10.35 AM: Chandrababu Naidu: Shocked to learn about the death of 3 people & hundreds being affected by a gas leak from a plant near Visakhapatnam. TDP leaders and cadre must be readily available to help people in distress. I urge everyone to take necessary precautions as advised by the officials.
10.30 AM: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “The incident in Visakhapatnam is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam.”
10.23 AM: CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will leave for Vizag and visit King George Hospital where the affected are being treated. The chief minister is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed the district machinery to take immediate steps and provide all help.
10.20 AM: PMO has tweeted that in the wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam, PM Modi has called for a meeting of the NDMA at 11 AM.
10.17 AM: “There have been seven casualties so far, one of them fell into well while trying to escape. The evacuation operation is still underway. The plant was shut due to the countrywide lockdown,” says Andhra Pradesh DGP, DG Sawang to ANI.
10.15 AM: Rahul Gandhi says in a tweet, “I’m shocked to hear about the Vizag gas leak. I urge our Congress workers & leaders in the area to provide all necessary support & assistance to those affected. My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery.”
10.10 AM: PM Narendra Modi speaks to MHA and NDMA officials on the Visakhapatnam situation.
