Iran Press/Asia: A major gas leak at a polymer company in Visakhapatnam has left three people dead, including a child. Hundreds of villagers were rushed to nearby hospitals with complaints of headache, vomiting and breathing problems, India Today reported.
The Visakhapatnam gas leak took place at LG Polymers chemical plant around 2.30 am on Thursday. So far at least 3 people have died at a government hospital while 20 others are critical.
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Srijana Gummalla has said, "Primary report is PVC gas (or Styrene) leaked from LG Polymers, Vepagunta near Gopalapatnam in Visakhapatnam at around 2:30 am today."
Local authorities have said around 150-170 people have been admitted in different government hospitals. Some others are also being taken to private hospitals in Goplapuram.
Authorities have said they are preparing beds for around 1500-2000 people.
The gas leakage was reported at LG Polymers in RRV Puram, Naidu Thota area in the early hours of Thursday. Local administration and personnel of the Indian Navy were pressed into action who evacuated five nearby villages.
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has issued a warning for locals and said, "There is gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalpatnam. Requesting citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions."
Gummalla said that GVMC is spreading water in the area to subside the effects of the gas leak and has advised people to use masks. "Leave the neighbourhood," the officer said in a tweet.
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