Suspected gas leak creates panic in city suburb

Chennai, Dec 5 (UNI) A suspected gas leak from a private firm at suburban Ennore in North Chennai created panic among people in several areas of the city today.

As the pungent smell in the air spread residents of North and Central Chennai complained of eye and skin irritation and breathing difficulties for several hours, last night.

But this morning, it spread to other areas like Anna Nagar, Madhavaram, K K Nagar, Koyambedu, Ambattur, Mugapair and Padi, leading to tension.

Initially officials suspected that the gas could have leaked from a container lorry carrying chemicals in Madhavaram area.

But now it seems that the leak had taken place in a chemical firm and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) officials allayed the fears of the people, stating that there was no cause for any alarm.

''It is only an organic gas leak and there was no need to panic'', the officials said.

UNI