At least 11 people have died and about hundreds more have been hospitalised after a major gas leak at an LG Polymers plant in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam earlier today. Emergency services have evacuated villages and cordoned off a three-kilometre radius.
PM Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and assured all possible assistance to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Catch the latest updates here:
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | MHA:
PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting today morning to take stock of the steps being taken in response to the gas leakincident. He discussed at length the measures being taken for the safety of affected people as well as for securing the site affected by the disaster.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | Plant produced stuff used to make disposable plastic cutlery
LG Polymers India, the company behind the deadly styrene gas leak in Visakhapatnam that left at least nine dead and hundreds hospitalised, is a subsidiary of leading South Korean chemical firm LG Chem that had entered India in 1997 through the acquisition of a local company.
The Vizag plant manufactures polystyrene (PS) that finds wide utility in the food-service industry as rigid trays and containers, disposable utensils, and foamed cups, plates and bowls.
The company, according to its website, was established in 1961 as 'Hindustan Polymers' by the Shriram Group for manufacturing PS and its co-polymers at Visakhapatnam. (PTI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy today announced a committee to probe into the mishap and also said the government would talk to the LG Polymers management seeking job for the kin of the deceased in any of its businesses.
Speaking to reporters after conducting a review meeting, Reddy also announced Rs 10 lakh each to those undergoing treatment on ventilator support and Rs 25,000 to those who took treatment as out-patients after developing health complications due to inhalation of the styrene vapour. (PTI)
Read more: All you need to know about Styrene- the gas that choked Vizag
In the wee hours of the morning on May 7, a tragedy unfolded after gas leaked from the LG Polymers plant at Gopalapatnam on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.
The gas leaked from LG Polymers, a styrene plant owned and managed by South Korean chemical company LG Chem Limited.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update | Gas leak disrupts train services
The gas leak from a chemical factory in Visakhapatnam today disrupted the movement of around 45 trains - nine Shramik Specials and the rest goods carriers - as rail workers suffering from irritation in their eyes and breathlessness halted work.
Train services came to a halt at the Simhachalam North Railway Station (SCMN) in Visakhapatnam, near the chemical factory, between 8:35 hours and 12:00 hours, leading to several trains being stranded and prompting authorities to divert some others. (PTI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update | BJP Andhra Pradesh co-incharge Sunil Deodhar:
PM Narendra Modi has already spoken to CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and is closely monitoring the situation. I urge local BJP karyakartas to continue helping the needy and support the administration.
In this image:
Dead cattle affected by a gas leak at the LG Polymers Plant is pictured in Vishakhapatnam (Reuters)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) SN Pradhan said 500 people belonging to 200-250 families living in 3 km radius have been evacuated to the safer places.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
After the request of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani gave the orders to chemical companies in Vapi to send the chemical by road to Daman: Ashwani Kumar, Secretary to Gujarat CM (ANI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
500 kg of Para-tertiary butyl catechol (PTBC) chemical will be airlifted from Daman by Andhra Pradesh government for neutralizing the gas leakage in Visakhapatnam plant: Ashwani Kumar, Secretary to Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani (ANI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Right to life of the victims has been grossly violated. At a time when human lives across the country are at stake due to the spread of coronavirus and everyone is forced to stay indoor, the gruesome tragedy has come as a bolt from the blue for the people, the National Human Rights Commission said in a statement. (PTI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update | JUST IN:
Death toll due to the gas leak is now 11: SN Pradhan, Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) (ANI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu has requested the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to allow him to travel by flight from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam to help people affected due to the gas leak.
The request comes at a time when all domestic and international flights, except cargo and those engaged in essential and emergency services, are suspended due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown. (PTI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | YS Jaganmohan Reddy:
My condolences with all the families who have been affected. The family of the dead will be given Rs 1 crore from the state.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | Andhra CM YS Jaganmohan Reddy:
We will take a decision on what kind of action should be taken against the company. Right after the gas leak happened, by 5 am, the Collector, police and ambulances were on the ground.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | AIIMS Director:
Chances of long-term impact are less, but we will have to follow up and see. Data doesn't suggest significant long-term impact.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates |
The death toll due to the gas leak has now risen to 10, NDRF has said.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | NDRF:
As things stand, the death toll is 9 and there are some people who are critical but most people have been given first aid and they are generally fine. NDRF will be continue to be on the site till the leaakage is totally plugged. Additionally, an expert team of NDRF will be flying in from Pune. As of now, things are under control.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | NDRF:
The incident happened at around 2:30 am. The initial movement was from the local administration. Around 5:30, the local NDRF unit was informed and it immediately rushed and was there within half-an-hour. About 200-250 families were evacuated.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | NDMA:
Nearly 1,000 people have been exposed to the gas. Styrene has leaked out of the factory. We are sending special medical teams to Vizag.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates |
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to Andhra Pradesh Government and Centre over the gas leak today, reports news agency PTI.
Vizag gas leak LIVE Updates | Visakhapatnam District Medical & Health Officer Tirumala Rao
:Nine people have died due to the gas leakand300 others are admitted at various hospitals.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
ENC of Indian Navy provides 5 more Portable Multifeed Oxygen Manifolds sets to King George Hospital (KGH). Technical Teams from Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam (NDV) are at KGH to assist in quick installation to provide Oxygen to a large number of patients affected by a gas leak from LG Polymers. The Portable Multifeed Oxygen Manifold system was designed to enable one jumbo size Oxygen Bottle to supply Oxygen to six patients concurrently for COVID-19 pandemic. (ANI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update | JUST IN:
Principal Secretary to PM Dr PK Mishra held a high-level review meeting with Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, NDMA, NDRF, Director AIIMS and medical experts on Vizag gas leak situation. He has directed to send a team of experts to Visakhapatnam and also measures for relief, rescue and short term as well as long term medical impact. Detailed press briefing on it to be held at National Media Centre in Delhi at 2.15 pm today. (ANI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update | JUST IN:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has reached Vishakapatnam to assess the response regarding the LG Polymers gas leak. (CNN News18)
What is styrene?
Styrene is a chemical used to make synthetic rubber and resins.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Hours after the styrene gas leak around 2.30 am from the multinational LG Polymers Plant at RR Venkatapuram village near Visakhapatnam, scores of people could be seen lying unconscious on sidewalks and near ditches, raising fears of a major industrial disaster.
Among the dead was a child and two people who fell into a borewell while escaping from the vapours from the plant, getting ready to reopen after the lockdown. (PTI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has put out an advisory on Twitter, asking people to wear a wet cloth or mask, eat banana and jaggery and drink milk to neutralise the effects of the gas.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Eight people, including a child, were killed and over 100 hospitalised after a major gas leak at a polymer plant in Visakhapatnam today.
The gas leak impacted villages within a five kilometer radius of the plant, according to officials. (PTI)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
NDRF’s Regional Response Centre is already at the spot, they have been working since morning and evacuation work is almost complete. The injured are also being treated: SN Pradhan (NDRF, DG) tells CNN-News18.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has spoken to Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy. "They assured that needed assistance is being given to ensure safety of people," he said.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu condoled the death of people in the Visakhapatnam gas leak incident.
"Deeply distressed by the loss of lives due to gas leak ... My condolences to bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of those taken ill," he said in a tweet.
Film director SS Rajamouli:
Deeply disturbed by the visuals from the Vizag gas leak. Praying for the recovery of those admitted to the hospital. Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones.
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Andhra CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy received a phone call from PM Narendra Modi and they discussed thedetails of the incidents and steps being taken to tide over the crisis. Evacuation of people from the vicinity and hospitalization besides other measures were briefed. (CNN News18)
Vizag gas leak LIVE update |
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy leaves for Visakhapatnam. He will be visiting King George Hospital where the affected persons are being treated. (ANI)
BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao:
Anguished by the news of Vizag gas leak. I pray for the well being of residents affected by the leak. AP government must act swiftly to safeguard the lives. BJP Visakhapatnam karyakartas and all office bearers are helping all affected villagers and providing food and drinking water.
Vizag plant gas leak LIVE update | AP IT and Industries Minister Mekapati Goutham Reddy:
We are in touch with Vizag Dist Collectorate and management of LG polymers. Sources say, it is not an LPG leak, and situation is being brought under control. A dedicated team will provide all the required assistance and also our Department team is on-site, manning rescue operations. Request all, not to panic, and help us tide over this.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik:
Deeply saddened to know about the tragic loss of so many lives and so many people fell sick in Vizag gas leak. My thoughts and prayers are with bereaved families in the hour of grief and pray for the speedy recovery of those who are hospitalised.
Vizag plant gas leak LIVE update | TDP demands probe into gas leak incident, asks Centre to shut polymer unit
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu today demanded a probe into the gas leak incident in Visakhapatnam and asked the Centre to immediately shut down the chemical plant from where styrene vapour leaked.
Naidu urged the Centre to immediately send medical experts to the district as it may not have the required expertise to treat people affected with styrene gas.
In a letter to Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Naidu also asked the Centre to deploy veterinary experts to treat animals affected by the toxic gas. (PTI)
Vizag plant gas leak LIVE update |
The gas leak is an accident. They were strictly following all protocols. Investigation underway. Forensic teams are also being sent to the spot: Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang (ANI)
Rod Hilton, Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to India:
On behalf of all Australians, we pass on our condolences to the families of the deceased in the Vizag gas leak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Visakhapatnam and Andhra Ptradesh CM in the wake of this tragedy.
Vizag plant gas leak LIVE update |
Right now gas has been neutralised. One of the antidote is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. Investigation will be carried out to see how this happened: Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang (ANI)
Union Minister Jitendra Singh:
Distressed to hear about the Vizag gas leak incident in Andhra Pradesh. Praying for the safety and well being of all. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families.
Vizag plant gas leak LIVE update |
Eight persons have died till now in the Vizag gas leak mishap: Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang (ANI)
Read more: Gas leak took place as plastic factory was being prepared for resumption of work: NDRF
The gas leak incident in Vishakhapatnam took place as a plastic factory, that was closed during lockdown, was being prepared for resumption of operations, the NDRF chief said today.
NDRF Director General SN Pradhan said a special gas leakage team of the force is on the spot and checking on people who are feeling uneasy.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa offered his condolences to the families of those who had lost their life today in Vishakhapatnam and said that the tragedy was an extremely saddening one at this hour of crisis.
Vizag plant gas leak LIVE update |
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed shock over thegas leak incident at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. Describing the incident as very unfortunate, Rao wished for speedy recovery of those who fell ill due to the gas leak, reportyed news agency PTI citing an official release.
