CHENNAI: The death toll in the ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district has risen to five, with three more fatalities reported by 7 am on Monday, according to a Health Department bulletin. The incident, which occurred on Sunday at Kannigaipair–Manjankaranai near Periyapalayam, has so far affected 74 people, while 67 workers remain under treatment and medical observation across four hospitals.The health department said two deaths had been reported until 8 pm on Sunday. With three additional deaths recorded overnight, the toll has climbed to five. Two patients have been discharged.Of the 67 patients under treatment, 29 are admitted to Vels Medical College Hospital, 18 to Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital, 10 to Stanley Medical College Hospital and 10 to Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital. Several patients are on ventilator support or receiving intensive care and oxygen support.Health officials said the affected workers exhibited symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation, including breathlessness, respiratory distress, coughing and eye irritation. Emergency medical teams, district administration officials, police, fire and rescue personnel were mobilised immediately after the leak was reported.“The exact cause of the leak is under investigation and that continuous monitoring of affected workers is being carried out for possible respiratory complications. Authorities have also initiated environmental monitoring of the premises and a review of industrial safety systems and emergency response protocols,” said Health secretary Darez Ahmed.
