Visakhapatnam, May 7: At least seven persons have died following a gas leak in a chemical factory in RR Venkatapuram village in Andhra Pradesh's Vishakhapatnam during the wee hours on Thursday. The gas leakage was reported at LG Polymers Industry around 3:30 am, which led to panic in surrounding areas. ing the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a meeting of National Disaster Management Authority officials.
"There have been seven casualties so far, one of them fell into well while trying to escape. The gas leak occurred at around 3:30 am today morning. The evacuation operation is still underway," Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police, DG Sawang told news agency ANI. He added that the chemical unit was shut due to the nationwide lockdown. Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner RK Meena said styrene gas leaked in the chemical factory.
PM Narendra Modi Calls Meeting of NDMA Over Vizag Gas Leak:
In the wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam, PM @narendramodi has called for a meeting of the NDMA at 11 AM.
Around 200 persons have been rushed for treatment to various hospitals after complaining of breathing difficulties, and burning sensation in the eyes. According to the Chief Minister's Office, Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the district officials to take every possible step to save lives and bring the situation under control. He will also visit King George Hospital where the affected people are being treated.
Visual From Vizag Gas Leak Site:
Andhra Pradesh: Chemical gas leakage reported at LG Polymers industry in
RR Venkatapuram village, Visakhapatnam. People being taken to hospital after they complained of burning sensation in eyes&breathing difficulties. Police, fire tenders, ambulances reach spot.Details awaited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding the Vizag gas leakage 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," he tweeted.
PM Modi also spoke to CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and assured all help. Reacting to the gas leak, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: "The incident in Visakhapatnam is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam."
