Vizag gas leak: Naval team to augment rescue operations

Vishakapatnam: A Naval team with about 50 breathing sets and associated portable air compressor along with 2 naval ambulances have been pressed into service to assist the state's Disaster Response Force (SRDF) team at villages affected by the gas leak.

Tragedy struck Vizag city on Thursday when eleven people were killed and over 1,200 others fell sick after sterile gas leaked from the LG Polymers plant at the Gopalapatnam area. As per reports, the leakage started around 2.30 am from LG Polymers plant at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota in Vizag city.

The state health authorities have confirmed, that, out of the eleven, eight were brought dead to the hospital. The decease have been identified as Appala Narasamma (45) Kundhana Shreya (6) A Chandra Mouli (19), CH Gangaraju (48) R Narayanamma (35) , N Grishma (9), Meka Krishna Murthy (73). Among them is a nineteen year old A Chandra Mouli, a young student pursuing MBBS.

"The incident in Visakhapatnam is disturbing. I have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah responding to the incident.

Mekapati Goutham Reddy, Minister of Industries, Andhra Pradesh, said a dedicated team will provide all the required assistance. “Request all, not to panic, and help us tide over this crisis. We are in touch with Vizag District Collectorate and management of LG polymers. Sources say, it is not an LPG leak, and the situation is being brought under control. We have instructed concerned authorities to take required measures on a war footing. The evacuation of villagers is underway. Request citizens not to panic and cooperate with authorities,” he said

Andhra Pradesh DGP Goutam Sawang, said the rescue teams were immediately pitched in after receiving a call early morning on dial 100. “We have dispatched officers, staff, and APSP men from the surrounding districts to the scene. We are moving people to protected areas. Periodically the situation is being reviewed and details are being shared with the Chief Minister,” he said.

DGP further confirmed that eleven people have died so far. Two people, however, died in accidents while escaping. He hoped that most people will be discharged soon. “Problem is for those people who inhaled large quantities of gas,” he said.

As per reports, the leakage started around 2.30 am from LG Polymers plant at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota in Vizag city. Due to the gas leak people living in over 4-kilometer radius suffered from vomiting and breathing problems. Panic gripped the area as people ran out of their houses for safety.