At least two people died and more than 40 others were hospitalized following an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu [1], [2].
The incident highlights the critical safety risks associated with industrial refrigeration systems in the seafood export industry, where ammonia is commonly used for cooling.
The leak occurred on Sunday in the Manjankaranai area of the Tiruvallur district [2]. The gas escaped due to a failure in the plant's ammonia refrigeration system [1], [2]. Emergency services responded to the scene as workers were exposed to the toxic fumes.
Reports on the scale of the tragedy vary. Initial coverage indicated two deaths and over 40 hospitalizations [1], [2]. However, a subsequent report stated that seven women were killed and a total of 67 workers were affected [3], [4].
"A total of 67 affected workers were rushed to local medical centres immediately," Thiruvallur District Collector S Kavitha said [4].
Medical teams transported the injured to various facilities in Thiruvallur and Chennai [5]. At least five workers remain in critical condition as they receive specialized treatment for gas inhalation [5].
Local authorities are investigating the cause of the system failure to determine if safety protocols were ignored, or if the equipment was poorly maintained. Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent smell that can cause severe respiratory distress and chemical burns upon contact with moist tissues, such as the eyes and lungs.
“At least two people died and more than 40 others were hospitalized”
The discrepancy in casualty numbers—ranging from two to seven deaths—suggests an evolving emergency scene or inconsistent reporting during the initial crisis response. This event underscores the volatility of ammonia-based cooling systems in industrial settings and may prompt stricter safety audits for seafood processing plants across the region.
