Tamil Nadu Gas Leak Horror: Death Toll Rises to 5 After Ammonia Escapes From Seafood Processing Unit

Five workers have died and 67 others are undergoing treatment after an ammonia gas leak at a private shrimp processing unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. The incident, which took place on Sunday at the Kannigaipair-Manjangaranai area near Periyapalayam, has raised serious questions over industrial safety and alleged negligence.

The leak occurred at a seafood processing and export facility where ammonia was used in the refrigeration process. Workers inside the unit were suddenly exposed to the gas, following which several complained of breathing difficulties, coughing, chest discomfort, eye irritation and respiratory distress.

According to the Tamil Nadu Health Department, 74 people were affected by the incident. While two deaths were initially reported on Sunday evening, three more workers died during treatment overnight, taking the death toll to five. Two people have been discharged, while 67 workers continue to receive medical care.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | A team of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has arrived at St. Peters Paul Seafoods Exports facility, where ammonia gas leak claimed the lives of five workers. It is located in Kannigaipair, Tiruvallur district. pic.twitter.com/NlW2u0xzqm

— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2026

The injured workers were shifted to different hospitals, including Government Stanley Medical College Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, apart from private medical facilities. Officials said several patients remain under close observation and some are in critical condition.

The incident triggered a major rescue operation, with police, fire and rescue personnel, district officials and medical teams rushing to the spot. Authorities evacuated workers from the facility and arranged immediate medical assistance.

Following the tragedy, police registered a case and arrested people connected with the running of the unit. The owner and factory management personnel were taken into custody as part of the investigation into possible safety violations and negligence. The shrimp processing unit has been shut following the incident, and officials are examining whether proper safety systems were in place.

The investigation will look into the cause of the leak, maintenance of equipment, emergency response measures and whether workers had adequate protection and training. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed grief over the deaths and announced a relief amount of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased workers. The government has formed a three-member committee comprising officials from Industrial Safety and Health, the Pollution Control Board and Public Health departments to investigate the incident. The committee has been asked to submit an initial report quickly, followed by a detailed report.The incident has also led to demands for stricter monitoring of factories handling hazardous substances.

Local residents have alleged that concerns regarding the unit had been raised earlier and questioned whether proper action was taken. Authorities are now looking into these claims as part of the probe. The tragedy has brought renewed focus on workplace safety, especially in industries where chemicals are used. As families wait for answers, the investigation continues to determine what caused the leak and who was responsible.