Eight people including a child died in Visakhapatnam on Thursday morning, after a gas leak at a polymer plant belonging to LG Polymers. According to the authorities, two 5000-tonne tanks at the plant reportedly leaked out styrene, after remaining unattended due to the ongoing lockdown.
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.
— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020
According to officials, more than 300 people have been admitted to the hospital after showing signs of asphyxiation and burning sensation in the eyes. Disturbing footage from the city are flooding the internet, showing people dropping in the streets due to breathing difficulties and exhaustion.
Here are the top 5 things to know about the incident so far:
- The gas leak happened 2.30am to 3.30am on Thursday at LG Polymers plant near Gopalapatnam neighbourhood, where two 5,000-tonne tanks reportedly leaked out styrene gas - which is commonly used for manufacturing plastic. High doses of styrene can be fatal for people in close proximity to the leak.
- People in the neighbouring areas were asleep during the time of leak, leading to prolonged exposure. Visakhapatnam police official Swaroopa Rani told the media that between 200 to 500 people have been hospitalised following the leak, as a death toll of eight has been reported - which includes two senior citizens and an 8-year-old child. Times of India reported that more than 5000 people have been affected by the leak.
- Visakhapatnam City Commissioner of Police RK Meena told ANI that the gas has been neutralised and that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the spot to evacuate people. "Maximum impact was in about 1-1.5 km but smell was in 2-2.5 km," he added.
- News reports claim that the gas has spread to 25 villages. Local legislator P Gana Babu told the Hindustan Times that ambulances meant for coronavirus cases were being diverted to evacuate people in affected areas to safer zones.
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is reportedly making his way to Visakhapatnam to visit affected individuals in hospital and monitor the situation on ground.
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