Visakhapatnam: At Least 8 Dead, Hundreds Sick Due To Gas Leak In LG Polymers Chemical Plant; Modi Speaks To CM Reddy

A massive gas leak mishap at LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam has led to death of eight people, while around hundred have fallen sick.People have been rushed for treatment to various hospitals after complaining of breathing difficulties, and burning sensation in the eyes.

Image: ANI

New Delhi: At least eight people including a minor, were reported dead in a major gas leak mishap at LG Polymers chemical plant, Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam. Reacting to the mishap, Prime Minister Modi said the situation is being monitored closely. Hundreds of people have been rushed for treatment to various hospitals after complaining of breathing difficulties, and burning sensation in the eyes. According to initial reports, the gas leak happened at LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village, Visakhapatnam. As per RK Meena,  CP Visakhapatnam City, the gas has been neutralised by now."NDRF team has reached the spot. Maximum impact was in about 1-1.5 km but smell was in 2-2.5 km. 100-120 people have been shifted to hospital. Total 3 persons have died in the incident. FIR has been registered, he said. PM Narendra Modi has spoken to Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam. He assured all help and support: Prime Minister's Office. PM Modi tweeted about the incident.

Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely.

I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2020

As per reports, over 1000 people have fallen ill after the gas leakage. According to the report the leak happened around 3 am and the police are in the process of evacuation residents in the area. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has also warned residents in the area about the leak on their Twitter page.

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.

— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020

They have also asked people to use a wet cloth to cover the nose and mouth as a precautionary measure.

As precautionary measures, the colonies and villages around the industry may leave to the safer locations. PLEASE USE WET CLOTH AS MASK TO COVER NOSE AND MOUTH.

— Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) (@GVMC_OFFICIAL) May 7, 2020

LG Polymers was established in 1961 as "Hindustan Polymers" for manufacturing Polystyrene and its Co-polymers at Visakhapatnam, India. Merged with Mc Dowell & Co. Ltd. of UB Group in 1978. As many might remember one of the world’s worst industrial disasters happened in Bhopal in 1984 when over 2000 people had died due to exposure to methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas. The highly toxic gas had leaked from Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal at night. WATCH: