Death toll rises to 5 after ammonia gas leak at Thiruvallur seafood plant; 67 hospitalised

Authorities have also initiated environmental monitoring in the surrounding area to ensure public safety and have called for audits of similar industrial units.

Published Jun 22, 2026 | 11:03 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 22, 2026 | 11:03 AM

Representational image. Credit: iStock

Synopsis: Five people have died and 67 others remain hospitalised after a major ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing plant in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu on June 21, 2026. A total of 74 workers were affected in the incident. Several patients are on ventilator support as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

At least five people have died and 67 others remain under medical treatment following a major ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export unit in Thiruvallur district on Sunday, 21 June.

The incident occurred during routine operations at the factory located near Periyapalayam/Kannigaipettai/Manjankarani area.

According to an official media bulletin issued by the Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department, a total of 74 people were affected by the toxic gas leak.

Media Bulletin : Ammonia Gas Leak Incident. pic.twitter.com/Uzel4E4g7f

— Office of Health Minister Tamil Nadu (@HM_TamilNadu) June 22, 2026

As of 7:00 AM on 22 June 2026, the casualty figures stand at 5, with 67 patients still under treatment, and 2 discharged.

Also Read: Two women killed, dozens hospitalised after ammonia leak at Tiruvallur fish feed factory

Hospital-wise status of patients under treatment:

Venkateswara Medical College Hospital: 18 patients (8 on ventilator, 10 stable)
Vel’s Medical College Hospital: 29 patients (8 on ventilator, 11 on oxygen support in ICU, 10 stable)
Stanley Medical College Hospital: 10 patients (5 on ventilator, 1 on NIV, 4 stable)
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), Chennai: 10 patients (all 10 on ventilator)

Emergency response teams, including medical personnel, ambulances, district administration, police, fire and rescue services, and public health officials, were immediately deployed to the site.

Affected workers were swiftly shifted to nearby government and private hospitals for urgent care.

The Health Department stated that the situation is being closely monitored, with particular attention to possible delayed respiratory complications among those exposed. An investigation into the exact cause of the leak is underway.

Authorities have also initiated environmental monitoring in the surrounding area to ensure public safety and have called for safety audits of similar industrial units in the region.