Twelve persons were hospitalized due to an ammonia gas leak stemming from a pipeline owned by Coromandel International Limited, a fertilizer manufacturer utilizing ammonia in its operations in Ennore, Tamil Nadu.
Reportedly, the leak occurred during the pre-cooling process of the pipeline, and local authorities swung into action upon receiving an alert from the company around 12:45 am. Residents in nearby villages such as Periyakuppam and Chinnakuppam experienced the pungent smell of ammonia, leading to breathing difficulties and uneasiness among the locals.
The police and district administration arranged fot ambulances and transportation to relocate affected residents to safer areas. The Stanley hospital admitted 12 villagers, whose conditions have been reported as stable. Numerous others were temporarily relocated to community halls and alternative locations in the middle of the night.
Efforts to contain the gas leak were successful, with the situation reportedly under control as confirmed by the police. The company managed to isolate the ammonia system and restore normalcy following the incident.
In an official statement, Coromandel International Limited acknowledged the abnormality detected in the ammonia unloading sub-sea pipeline outside their plant premises at 11:30 pm during routine operations. They affirmed the activation of their Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), leading to the isolation of the ammonia system and the resolution of the situation without delay.
The company further mentioned providing immediate medical attention to local community members experiencing discomfort due to the leak, assuring the public of their safety and the restoration of normal operations. Relevant authorities have been duly informed about the incident.
This occurrence raised concerns about safety measures and the handling of hazardous materials, with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's inspection revealing elevated ammonia levels in the ambient air near the material gate at 3:30 am.