Tiruvallur Ammonia Gas Leak: Seven Women Dead, Dozens Hospitalised
Seven women died while undergoing treatment on Sunday (June 21, 2026) after being exposed to a major ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing unit in Manjangaranai near Periyapalayam, Tiruvallur district, police said.
A total of 67 affected workers were rushed to local medical centres immediately, according to Tiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha. She stated that 46 workers are being treated at Vels Hospital and 21 at Venkateshwara Hospital. Nine of the most critically ill patients have been transferred via ambulances to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai.
Ammonia gas is commonly used as a refrigerant in seafood processing plants. Leaks can occur due to equipment failure, human error, or inadequate maintenance. Exposure to high concentrations can cause severe respiratory distress, burns, and even death.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The factory has been sealed, and a case is being registered under relevant sections of the Factories Act and the Environmental Protection Act. District officials have announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety in industrial units, particularly in the food processing sector. Labour rights activists have called for stricter enforcement of safety norms and regular inspections to prevent such tragedies.
The affected workers are primarily women from nearby villages. Many have been left in shock, and local community members have gathered at the hospitals to support the families. The district administration has set up a helpline for relatives seeking information about the injured.
