In a major gas leak at the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, eight people have died and left over 5,000 people fallen ill. The resident of RR Venkatapuram village have reported difficulty in breathing and burning sensation in eyes, following which they were rushed to the hospital.
The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours on Thursday at 2.30 am As per reports, nearly 200 people have been admitted to hospital. And the officials have swung in action to prepare beds for 1500-2000 people.
Andhra Pradesh: 3 persons, including one child, dead after chemical gas leakage at LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village, Visakhapatnam. pic.twitter.com/zs4oWuN2KA
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020
“There is gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalpatnam. Requesting Citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions,” the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation tweeted.
Meanwhile, hours after the gas leak, Visakhapatnam City Police Commissioner RK Meena as said, “The gas has been neutralised. NDRF team has reached the spot. Maximum impact of the gas leak was in the 1-1.5 km radius but the smell spread upto 2-2.5 km. Around 100-120 people have been shifted to the hospital.”
The Chemical Plant was taken over by South Korea’s LG Chem and renamed as LG Polymers India in 1997 from Hindustan Polymers ( set up in 1961). The plant makes polystyrene and expandable polystyrene which are used in making toys and appliances.
