One Dead, 20 Hospitalized After Gas Leak at Pharma Plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

A gas leak at Tagoor Laboratories Private Limited, a pharmaceutical unit in Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, claimed one life and left 20 others affected. The incident occurred on November 27th when hydrogen chloride (HCl), a hazardous chemical, leaked within the facility. Among the affected, one person succumbed, while eight others were hospitalized. Reports indicate that at least seven individuals are now out of danger.

The leak reportedly stemmed from a liquid spill in the plant. Workers inhaled a toxic mixture of HCl and chloroform, a volatile and colorless liquid commonly used as an industrial solvent and in medical applications.

Sources cited by NDTV claim the severity of the situation was initially dismissed, with workers attempting to neutralize the spill using caustic soda. Of the 180 employees on shift, most left the premises, leaving only 10 workers to handle the cleanup. It was not until later in the evening, when employees began experiencing respiratory issues, that they were admitted to the hospital.

In a press note, the company explains that in the production plant, 400 liters of HCl leaked from a Reactor-cum-Receiver Tank (GLR-325) and spilled onto the floor. No immediate symptoms were observed among workers. However, by night, nine individuals near the spill site reported difficulty breathing and coughing.

These workers were initially taken to Pavan Sai Hospital in Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam.

This incident follows another recent gas leak tragedy in Maharashtra. On November 22, a blast at a fertiliser plant in the Sangli district caused a gas leak, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries.

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