Another Gas Leaks Tragedy in Vizag, Surrounding Villages Being Evacuated, 11 Died So Far

Visakhapatnam : The gas leak is reported again at 11.30 pm on Thursday night after 21 hours from the chemical plant of LG Polymers Industry in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Immediately after this incident, about 50 vehicles of the fire brigade have been deployed. Apart from this, villages falling in the area of two to three kilometers are being evacuated as a precautionary measure. Earlier, the gas leaked at 2.30 pm on Wednesday night. The situation came under control after the use of neutralizers at around 5:30 am. By then the gas had spread to 5 small villages within a radius of 4 km.

Gas fumes leaking again from the tanker where there was Styrene leakage today. Around 50 fire staffers, with NDRF's support, are carrying out operation. We've ordered evacuation of villages in 2-3 km radius for safe side precautions: Visakhapatnam Dist Fire Officer Sandeep Anand pic.twitter.com/RVtdGYllQK

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020

11 deaths so far –

This caused 11 deaths so far, including 2 children. Initial investigation report revealed that the accident occurred due to a problem in the gas valve. According to officials, styrene and pentane gases were possibly the cause of the accident. Fire brigade officer of Visakhapatnam district Sandeep Mohan said that the work of evacuating people to safe places in the area up to 5 km around the company has been started. There has been leakage of styrene gas in the company, which is deteriorating the health of the people around. Along with this, PTBC Chemical has been airlifted from Gujarat to Visakhapatnam by Air India special cargo aircraft to neutralize the gas leaks.

According to the latest information, 10 more fire engines have reached the spot. They also have carts with 2 foam tenders. Ambulances are ready to deal with any emergency. The Andhra Pradesh Police has also issued a helpline number, by contacting which people can ask for help. People are appealed to be vigilant. The police appealed to the people to evacuate the surrounding villages and not panic.

Anybody needing help with respect to #gasleak in Vizag can contact the nos given below. Also pls follow the precautions if you are in or around the area. pic.twitter.com/GLekRbwPXH

— AP Police (@APPOLICE100) May 7, 2020

Financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore to the families of the deceased

So far more than a thousand people are ill in this accident. 300 people are hospitalized. 25 people are on ventilators. The condition of 15 children is critical. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy over the phone. Also discussed with NDMA officials in Delhi. The decision has been taken by the Central Government to send the expert team. The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the kin of the deceased.