Andhra CM expressed condolences to the gas leak victim's family, Anakapalle MP Ramesh blamed Tagoor labs for alleged negligence.
Published Nov 27, 2024 | 6:41 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 27, 2024 | 6:43 PM
Officials inspecting the site of gas leak that killed one
A 23-year-old worker from Odisha tragically passed away on Wednesday, 27 November, after inhaling hydrochloric acid (HCL) fumes at Tagoor Labs in Andhra Pradesh’s Jawaharlal Pharma City.
The acid leak that claimed Amit’s life took place at 4.30 on Tuesday, 26 November when approximately 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank (GLR-325).
The corrosive acid spread across the floor of Tagoor Labs in Parvada Mandal which then spread to areas surrounding the lab at Anakapalle. Though no workers showed symptoms of ill-health initially, by evening, nine workers began to complain of coughs and breathlessness.
The affected workers were immediately taken to the Pawan Sai Hospital in Gajuwaka for immediate attention by the company’s representatives. Three of them, including Amit, were later transferred to KIMS in Sheila Nagar, Visakhapatnam for further treatment.
Unfortunately, Amit passed away on 27 November while undergoing treatment after succumbing to respiratory complications. The remaining two workers are on ventilator support, with their health condition described as critical. The other six workers are reported to be in stable condition, according to District Collector (DC) of Anakapalle, Vijaya Krishnan.
Following the tragic incident, Anakapalle (DC) Vijaya Krishnan ordered an inquiry into the cause of the leak. The Inspector of Factories has been tasked with reviewing the CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the leak.
The inquiry is also expected to investigate the safety measures in place at the company and take necessary action if management was found to be negligent in following protocol.
Meanwhile, Andhra CM Chandrabbau Naidu inquired about the gas leak to the officials and expressed his condolences to the victim’s family. He emphasised the need for continued medical care for the affected workers and assured that the state government would offer all necessary assistance to protect their lives.
In a separate statement, Anakapalle MP CM Ramesh expressed anger at the management for alleged negligence that led to the gas leak. The MP, who was in Delhi while voicing his concerns, criticised the company for failing to implement foolproof safety measures, despite previous warnings about the potential for such accidents.
“We will investigate the factors that led to the accident and the management’s role in it,” he said. Ramesh also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the families of the victims and the workers still undergoing treatment.
Promising a thorough inquiry into the tragedy, the MP said the government will ensure that such an incident does not occur again.
(Edited by Neena)
