Gas leakage from LG Polymers plant kills 12, hundreds taken ill
Published on : Thursday 07-05-2020
May 07, 2020 – 12 people were killed and several hundred taken ill due to a gas leak from a chemical plant in the early hours of May 07. The gas leaked in the early hours of the morning at the LG Polymers plant, causing much confusion and chaos, and people were reportedly gasping for breath, many fainting from the effects of the gas. The plant is located in a heavily populated area. Police personnel, fire brigade and rescue officers rushed to the spot and carried people to hospital. The National Disaster Response Force was also called in.
Primary reports state the gas, Styrene, leaked from LG Polymers plant due to some failure in the storage system. Styrene is a chemical used to make synthetic rubber and resins.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about the incident expressing grief about the loss of life. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam, he said. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also condoled the loss of lives. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy has ordered a probe into the matter, and also announced compensation to the next of kin of the dead.
Police sources reported the situation being under control with no more risk of any leakage.