A gas leak at an LG Polymers facility on the southeast coast of India killed at least five people, police said Thursday. The accident took place at a village near Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. One of the dead is believed to be a child. There were reports of some people fainting near the site.
Indian news agency ANI reported that several hundred people were being rushed to nearby hospitals after complaining of a burning sensation in the eyes and trouble breathing. Authorities and first responders were present at the site.
Police official Swaroop Rani from Vishakhapatnam said, “We can confirm at least five deaths right now. More will be confirmed later. At least 70 people in the nearby hospitals are in an unconscious state and 200 to 500 locals are still getting treatment (at the hospitals).“
Administrator Vinay Chand said styrene, a synthetic chemical was believed to have leaked from the chemical plant. People within an area of 3 kilometres were affected.
Around 25 ambulances were deployed to shift the sick to the hospitals. Others in the affected area were taken to safer locations.
tg/dr (AP, ANI, Reuters)
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