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Several people were hospitalised after an ammonia leak was reported at a shrimp processing factory in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district, prompting an emergency response from local authorities and health officials.

According to officials, the incident occurred at a seafood processing facility where ammonia is used as part of the refrigeration and cooling system. The leak led to panic in the surrounding area, with workers and nearby residents reporting breathing difficulties and irritation.

Multiple people affected

Authorities said several individuals exposed to the gas were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment and observation. Emergency medical teams were deployed to the site soon after the incident was reported.

Officials indicated that most of the affected individuals complained of symptoms commonly associated with ammonia exposure, including eye irritation, coughing, breathing discomfort and throat irritation.

Medical personnel monitored the condition of those admitted to hospitals, while authorities assessed the extent of the exposure.

Emergency teams rushed to site

Police, fire and rescue services, along with district administration officials, reached the factory after receiving information about the leak.

Emergency responders secured the area and initiated measures to contain the leak. Officials also worked to ensure that workers and residents in the vicinity were moved to safer locations as a precaution.

The situation was brought under control after technical teams inspected the facility and took steps to stop the leakage.

Investigation underway

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the ammonia leak.

Officials are examining the factory’s refrigeration systems, safety mechanisms and operational procedures to establish whether any equipment failure or lapse in safety protocols contributed to the incident.

The findings of the investigation are expected to guide any further action by regulatory and local authorities.

Safety concerns highlighted

The incident has once again drawn attention to industrial safety practices in facilities that use hazardous chemicals for refrigeration and processing operations.

Ammonia is widely used in cold-storage and seafood-processing industries but can pose health risks if released into the atmosphere in significant quantities.

Officials said monitoring of the affected area would continue and that necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Authorities have urged the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports as the investigation progresses.