Industry Odisha Bureau, Jun 22: At least five women from Odisha died and several others injured in the tragic ammonia gas leakage incident in a factory in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
Odisha Labour and ESI Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia on Monday said, “Of the seven persons, who died in the gas tragedy, five were from Odisha. Efforts are being made to bring back the mortal remains of the five women.”
All five women were from Keonjhar district and working in the factory when the incident took place, he said.
The industrial accident occurred on Sunday at the factory in the Kannigaipair-Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam. A total of 74 workers were affected in the incident, while 67 others are undergoing treatment.
Expressing grief over the deaths, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh from the CM’s Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased worker.
The Odisha government is in constant touch with the Tamil Nadu administration to ensure treatment and other assistance for the affected workers.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg held discussions with her Tamil Nadu counterpart on Sunday.
A team of Odisha government officials has also rushed to Tamil Nadu and is coordinating with local authorities on treatment, post-mortem formalities and other arrangements, officials said.
One official, M M Paik, will remain in Chennai for coordination regarding post-mortem examinations and other related procedures, he said. Two other officers have proceeded to Tiruvallur.
The body of one deceased worker was shifted to Chennai on Sunday night for post-mortem examination, while the remaining bodies are in Tiruvallur, officials said.
