Cuddalore Factory Gas Leak Hospitalizes 40+, Investigation Underway
Probe launched into gas leak hospitalizing over 40.
A major investigation has been launched in Tamil Nadu following an alleged gas leak at a chemical manufacturing facility in the SIPCOT Industrial Complex near Cuddalore, which left over 40 people hospitalized on Friday, September 5. State Minister for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, M R K Panneerselvam, announced on Saturday that a high-level committee, comprising officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, and other departments, has been formed to probe the incident and determine its cause.
The leak, suspected to have originated from a steam valve within the facility, caused widespread alarm as residents in surrounding areas reported severe eye irritation and breathing difficulties. “About 43 people complained of eye irritation and suffocation. They have been admitted to the Government General Hospital for treatment,” Panneerselvam told reporters after visiting the affected patients. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the toxic fumes were brought under control by Friday evening, according to a senior district police official.
Cuddalore District Superintendent of Police S Jeyakumar, accompanied by senior officials from the Revenue Department and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, inspected the facility to assess the situation. “I have issued guidance to the factory officials on taking preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future,” Jeyakumar stated, emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols. The minister assured that the committee, with experts arriving from Chennai, would conduct a thorough investigation to pinpoint the cause of the leak and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.
Also Read: West Bengal Prepares for ECI Meeting on Elections
The incident has raised serious concerns about industrial safety in the region, with local residents demanding accountability and stronger regulations. The affected individuals, primarily workers and nearby residents, are receiving medical care, with most reported to be stable. The probe’s findings are expected to shed light on potential lapses in safety standards at the SIPCOT unit, a key industrial hub in Cuddalore. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are under pressure to ensure such incidents do not disrupt the safety and well-being of the community.
