Seven Dead, 67 Hospitalised After Ammonia Leak at Seafood Factory in Tamil Nadu

A major ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Manjangaranai near Periyapalayam in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu , has turned into a serious industrial tragedy, with the death toll rising to seven women , while dozens of workers remain under treatment , officials confirmed on Sunday.

The incident initially led to the hospitalisation of 67 workers , all of whom were rushed to nearby medical centres soon after exposure to the toxic gas. Most of the affected employees were young women working at the seafood export unit.

According to District Collector S Kavitha, 46 patients are being treated at Vels Hospital and 21 at Venkateshwara Hospital . Nine of the critically ill workers were later shifted to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai for advanced medical care.

Despite emergency treatment efforts, seven women died during treatment , marking a sharp escalation in the severity of the incident. Several other patients continue to remain in critical condition, with some requiring ventilator support and intensive care.

Medical officials earlier noted that many of the victims were young, aged around 24 to 25 years, and had suffered severe respiratory distress following exposure to ammonia gas. Doctors continue to monitor their condition closely.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the suspected valve failure that triggered the leak, as well as to examine possible safety lapses at the export-oriented seafood unit.

Emergency response teams and district officials are overseeing treatment arrangements and coordinating care for the affected workers as the situation continues to develop.