Vizag gas leak: PM Modi calls for a meeting; Kishan Reddy, KTR, PK express shock

Vishakapatnam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for Home Affairs (MoS) G. Kishan Reddy, Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao, former AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, and Janasena Chief Pawan Kalyan have expressed shock over the Visakhapatnam gas tragedy.

Tragedy struck Vizag city on Thursday when eleven people were killed including two children and over 1,200 others fell sick after (styrene) gas leaked from the LG Polymers plant at the Gopalapatnam area

PM Narendra Modi spoke to officials of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding the gas leak incident. In the wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam, PM Narendra Modi has also called for a meeting of the NDMA at 11 AM today.

“Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam," Modi tweeted

G Kishan Reddy, MoS Home, spoke to the Chief Secretary and DGP of AP and take stock of the situation. He also instructed NDRF teams to provide necessary relief measures. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

"My condolences to the families of the deceased due to the gas leak at a Private firm in Vishakhapatnam. I am continuously monitoring the situation. Hundreds of people have also been affected in the unprecedented and unfortunate event in Vishakhapatnam, AP. Also spoke to the Home Secretary, GoI and requested him to provide all the required assistance to the state to tackle the difficulties," he said.

Former CM Chandrababu Naidu tweeted: "Shocked to learn about the death of three people and hundreds being affected by a gas leak from a plant near Visakhapatnam. TDP leaders and cadre must be readily available to help people in distress. I urge everyone to take necessary precautions as advised by the officials".

Expressing shock over the incident, Telangana IT minister K T Rama Rao tweeted: "Shocked and deeply anguished by the visuals from Vizag Gas leak. My wholehearted condolences to those who lost their near & dear. Let’s pray for the well-being of the hospitalized. What a horrible year this has been".

Janasena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan extended deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and demanded strict action). He also demanded financial aid to the families of the deceased.

"Visakha tragedy is heartbreaking. The pollution control board must tame strict action in this matter. Eight people killed. It is heartbreaking to see hundreds of people getting sick. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased,” he said.

Kalyan said financial aid should be provided to the families of the deceased. “Accidents often occur in industrial units at Visakha. The government should immediately look at safety and pollution control measures in the units," he said.

Janasena demands for an ‘Industrial safety audit’ in Visakhapatnam and North Coastal Andra.

— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) May 7, 2020

BJP leader YS Chowdary tweeted: "The gas leakage disaster at LG Polymers in Vishakha is shocking. My deepest sympathies to the families of those killed in the event. The government should immediately seek medical help for the victims and their families".

K.Krishna Saagar Rao, Chief Spokesperson of BJP Telangana state said people in these villages are facing a serious threat to their life due to a poisonous gas leak this morning.

“The AP state government should take immediate steps to provide emergency medical relief and undertake the rescue of the remaining people in the rest of the villages. All resources must be diverted towards rescue and relief. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this unfortunate tragedy," he said.