Gas leakage at Vizag LG Polymers Update: Hundreds fall ill and rushed to hospital

A suspected chemical gas leakage occurred at the LG Polymers Industry in Vizag during the wee hours of Thursday. The chemical plant is located at RR Venkatapuram, near Naiduthota, in the Gopalapatnam area. The news has spread panic, among people, within a 3 km radius of LG Polymers Industry.

Initial investigations reveal that a chemical, which was stored in tanks, leaked due to a fire accident. The leaked gas wreaked havoc in the neighbourhood of the said plant with several people falling ill and unconscious. Police had to break open the doors in order to rescue and provide first aid. Reportedly, children and senior citizens are the most affected. Apart from losing consciousness, there are also cases of people suffering from body rashes and soar eyes.

Visakha West assembly constituency MLA, P Ganababu, requested people to stay away from the LG Polymers Industry area. Especially old people and children of Venkatapuram, near the Krishna Temple wall, as many people here, have been affected.

Within a few hours, a large number of people moved out of their houses and reached Meghadri Gedda where they could breathe fresh air. The local youth have also helped in the immediate rescue work. It has been noticed that people are unable to breathe easily in the surrounding areas for more than 10 minutes. The authorities have already requested a number of residents to evacuate their homes and take refuge in safer areas.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to reach Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister will meet the gas leakage victims of LG Polymers who are currently undergoing treatment. He had earlier spoken to Visakhapatnam district Collector, V Vinay Chand and directed the officials to ensure rescue and relief measures in the localities affected by the gas leakage.

Stating that NDRF teams have been deployed for the rescue and relief operations, Andhra Pradesh Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department urged the people in the affected areas of gas leakage at LG Polymers in Vizag, to cover themselves with a wet cloth or a mask. Taking to Twitter, the AP Health Department said, “We request you to cooperate with officials and not panic. Stay hydrated and reach out immediately to local health care authorities in case of uneasiness and difficulty in breathing.”