Published Jun 02, 2026 | 1:33 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 02, 2026 | 1:33 PM
Gas leak from Chennai port.
Synopsis: A gas leak reported from Chennai Port caused panic and discomfort in areas surrounding the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, with police personnel, government staff and members of the public experiencing breathing difficulties and persistent coughing due to thick smoke spreading through the air.
A gas leak reported from Chennai Port on Tuesday, 2 June, caused panic and discomfort in areas surrounding the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, with police personnel, government staff and members of the public experiencing breathing difficulties and persistent coughing due to thick smoke spreading through the air.
According to officials, the leak was later brought under control.
Sources at the Chennai Port said sulphur stored at the port for industrial purposes underwent a chemical reaction due to extreme heat, resulting in the spread of dense white smoke across nearby areas.
The smoke reportedly drifted towards the Secretariat and surrounding localities, leading to complaints of irritation and breathing discomfort among people in the area.
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Officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) said elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter were detected in the air around the Secretariat zone following the incident.
The board also detected the presence of gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3), in the atmosphere.
“Normally, only particulate matter levels are detected in routine monitoring and gas concentrations remain minimal. However, the present gas leak has affected air quality in the region,” TNPCB officials said.
Authorities are continuing to monitor air quality in the affected areas while officials investigate the exact cause of the incident.
