Ammonia leak in Tiruvallur: Death toll at seafood processing unit rises to five as three more workers succumb

The RGGGH in Chennai on Sunday, June 21, 2026 admitted several workers who were in critical condition following an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing plant in Tiruvallur. Photo credit: R. Ragu

The death toll in an ammonia gas leak incident at a private seafood processing unit in Tiruvallur district has risen to five, with three more women workers succumbing to their injuries in hospital on Monday (June 22, 2026).

Tamil Nadu Ammonia Gas Leak Update on 21 June 2026

A total of 67 people are undergoing treatment and remain under medical supervision at various hospitals, according to a media bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Monday (June 22).

According to the bulletin, a total of 74 people were reported affected by the incident, two of whom died on Sunday (June 21). Three more victims were reported as of 7 a.m. Monday.

Of the 67 workers undergoing treatment, 18 were admitted to Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital, 29 to Vels Medical College Hospital, 10 to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital and 10 to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Of these, 31 people were on ventilator support, 11 in the intensive care unit with oxygen support and one on non-invasive ventilator support. The remaining 24 workers are said to be in a stable condition.

The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation carefully and ensures the availability of adequate medical care for all affected persons. It coordinates with district authorities and health institutions to facilitate timely treatment, surveillance and response.

Incident and response

An ammonia gas leak was reported at a private seafood processing and export facility in the Kannigaipair/Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district on Sunday. The incident is reported to have occurred during routine industrial operations, resulting in exposure of workers present at the site. Emergency medical teams, district administration officials, police personnel, fire and rescue services and public health authorities were immediately mobilized to handle the incident and ensure timely medical assistance to those affected.

Symptoms consistent with ammonia inhalation were primarily manifested, including shortness of breath, eye and respiratory tract irritation, coughing, chest discomfort, and varying degrees of respiratory distress. The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities, the bulletin said.

Elaborating on the public health response, the ministry said emergency teams and ambulances were immediately mobilized and victims were taken to nearby government and private hospitals for treatment. Monitoring and evaluation of the affected area was carried out to ensure public safety. Rapid medical assessment and treatment of all exposed persons was initiated.

In addition, the department immediately recommended continuous surveillance of exposed workers for delayed respiratory complications, environmental monitoring of affected areas, and revision of industrial safety systems and emergency response protocols. She also recommended conducting safety and health protection audits at work of similar facilities in the district.

Published – 22 Jun 2026 09:40 IST