Following a leak at a fertiliser manufacturing unit in north Chennai’s Ennore around 11:45 pm on Tuesday, an unpleasant odour permeated the surrounding neighborhood. Subsequently, at least 25 individuals were hospitalized due to discomfort, nausea, and faintness caused by the ammonia gas leak.
The leak was identified in the sub-sea pipe of Coromandel International Limited, prompting residents in areas like Periya Kuppam to report health issues. Over 25 people were taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Tamil Nadu’s Environment and Forest Department confirmed the ammonia gas leak in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore, emphasizing that the leak had been detected and stopped. Coromandel International Limited’s President and Head Manufacturing (Fertiliser) and Supply Chain, Amir Alvi, stated that the abnormality in the ammonia unloading subsea pipeline was noticed during routine operations. The company activated its Standard Operating Procedure, isolated the ammonia system facility, and restored normalcy. Individuals in the local community expressing discomfort received immediate medical attention, and all are reported safe.
Following the incident, people evacuated their homes in panic, seeking assistance. Fertiliser unit officials addressed the technical issue, and police reassured the public that there were no more ammonia leaks. The forest department received a call at 12:45 am regarding the leak during the pipeline’s pre-cooling operation.
Additional Chief Secretary of Environment Climate Change and Forests, Supriya Sahu, reported that the Joint Chief Environmental Engineer and other authorities inspected the site, observing gas bubbles coming out of the pipeline. The unit promptly depressurized the pipeline, diverting ammonia vapor to the flare and completing the operation within 20 minutes.
