Toxic gas leak at LG Polymers near Visakhapatnam kills at least 11; hundreds fall ill

1,000 people admitted to the hospital

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) – KRR at  At least 10 people were killed when a styrene gas leaked at the L.G. Polymer establishment in KRR Venkatapuram village at 2.30 a.m. on 7^th April. The dead included an 8-year-old girl and two elderly people. A total of 5,000 people have been affected by this, while 1,000 people have been admitted to the hospital. Twenty of them are in critical condition. The toxic gas leak has affected an area of ​​3 km. People from 5 villages have been shifted to safer places. What exactly caused this gas leak is not yet known. Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Styrene gas is used to make plastics, fibreglass, rubber and pipes.

Hundreds of people suffered from headaches, vomiting and difficulty in breathing due to the gas leak. Many fell unconscious on the spot. Immediately, they were admitted into a private hospital in Gopalpur. One and a half to two thousand beds have been arranged in the hospital for the treatment of more people. During this time, the Police and support team had difficulty in reaching out to the people. Police said they found about 50 people lying unconscious on the road.

District Collector of Visakhapatnam Vinay Chand reached the spot as soon as he got information about the leak. He told that the situation was brought under control within two hours. People have also been urged not to go near the leak. Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy himself went to the spot. NDRF is currently at the scene. And SDRF. His team is working to help.

Emergency meeting by Prime Minister Modi

After this incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on the phone and also held a meeting with the concerned administrative officers.

Gas leak occurred at the time of commencement of production – NDRF

Chief of National Disaster Relief Force S.N. Pradhan said the establishment was closed due to lockdown. It was being prepared to restart, at which point the leak occurred.

What is styrene gas?

Styrene is a colourless liquid. When it comes in contact with air, it becomes gaseous and spreads in the air. If this substance is completely pure, it has a sweet aroma. Many establishments mix aldehydes to it & it makes it stink. This styrene is used for packing materials as well as for making plastic materials.

History of LG Polymers Industry

LG Polymers Industry was established in the year 1961 under the name of Hindustan Polymers. This establishment manufactures polystyrene and its copolymers. In 1978, Hindustan Polymers was merged with UD Group’s McDowell & Company Limited. The establishment was later renamed LG Polymers Industry.