At least seven people have died and more than 40 others were injured following an ammonia gas leak at a private seafood export facility in southern India, according to local media reports.
The incident occurred in Kannigaipair village in the state of Tamil Nadu, triggering panic among workers at the processing plant.
Reports said the majority of employees at the facility were migrant workers, many of whom were women. Around 120 workers were reportedly present at the premises when the leak occurred, despite it being a public holiday.
The ammonia leak is believed to have originated from the seafood processing unit before rapidly spreading throughout the facility, exposing workers to the hazardous gas.
Seven workers lost their lives in the incident, while more than 40 others were rushed to hospital for treatment after suffering breathing difficulties and severe symptoms, including bleeding from the mouth and nose.
Emergency response teams were deployed to the scene as authorities launched investigations into the cause of the leak and whether safety protocols had been properly followed.
The tragedy has raised concerns over workplace safety standards at industrial facilities, particularly those handling hazardous substances.
Further investigations are ongoing.
