11 killed, hundreds affected by gas leak in Visakhapatnam

Eleven persons died and hundreds were affected today by a gas leakage on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. The toxic gas leaked from LG Polymers plant at RR Venkatapuram in the early hours of the day. A five-member team of experts will soon assess the situation.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy reached Visakhapatnam and announced Rs 1 crore ex-gratia each for the families of the killed. He also informed the media that hose on ventilators will be paid Rs 10 lakh each while others undergoing treatment in hospitals for two-three days will be given Rs 1 lakh.

Over 25 persons are in a critical condition.

People who were mildly affected will get Rs 25,000 each while the other residents of the affected villages will be paid Rs 10,000 each. Reddy made the announcement after calling on the affected people undergoing treatment at King George Hospital (KGH).

The Chief Minister said that 340 people were affected by the gas leak.

Meanwhile a five-member team of experts in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) disaster is flying from Pune to the LG Polymers Industry in Visakhapatnam to assess the situation of the gas leak.

S.N. Pradhan, Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), said that the incident happened at 2:30 a.m. and the initial movement was made by the local administration, the police and the fire services.

"NDRF will stay back in the area till we are absolutely sure that the situation is under control. It will assist the local administration till it is required," said Pradhan, stressing that the "situation is now under control."

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Kamal Kishore explained that the gas that was leaked is called styrene, which is toxic and injurious to human health.

He also said that in the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority and took stock of the situation on the ground.

(with agency inputs).