Eight workers fell ill after being exposed to an ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing plant in Ananthapuram village of Thotapalli Gudur Mandal in SPSR Nellore district on Saturday. The alarming incident, which sent the staff running out in fear wearing gum boots, was quickly contained within a few hours, thanks to prompt action by the authorities.
The ammonia gas leak originated in the machine room of Water Base Company, causing a sudden panic among the workers. As the alarm blared, the employees rushed out, only to collapse on the ground, prompting immediate hospitalization. Fortunately, all affected individuals received timely first aid and were discharged on the same day, reassuring concerned parties about their well-being.
Upon learning of the incident, Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy sought clarification from both officials and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders, eager to ascertain the extent of the gas leak’s impact. Assured by company representatives that the situation was under control and confined to the plant premises, he relayed a message of calm to the public, dispelling any rumors of fatalities.
Nellore Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Naga Santosh Anusha further investigated the matter, gathering comprehensive details from revenue and police departments to provide a clear picture of the events. She confirmed that the gas leakage was minor and swiftly addressed by the management through necessary repairs, averting any widespread repercussions.
Addressing the misinformation circulating on social media regarding the workers’ well-being, the RDO emphasized the absence of any fatalities and emphasized the normalcy of operations at the plant. Urging residents to refrain from spreading unverified rumors, she reassured the community that there was no cause for alarm and that the situation had been effectively resolved.
As the news of the ammonia gas leak incident gradually subsided, it served as a stark reminder of the potential hazards faced by industrial workers and the critical importance of swift response and effective crisis management in averting disasters. The timely intervention and coordinated efforts of all involved parties prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome, highlighting the value of preparedness and vigilance in ensuring workplace safety for all employees.
