Poisonous styrene gas leak in Vizag | Fusion - WeRIndia

Yesterday early morning, a poisonous gas, styrene leaked at LG Polymers industry in RR Venkatapuram village of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

At least 13 people died in this tragic incident and thousands of people fell sick after the incident.

Several people were admitted to hospitals for treatment. The fumes have been spread over 5kms Surrounding villages were evacuated after the incident.

As per the reports, the leak may have been due to negligence and leaving the gas tank unattended for several days due to the nationwide lockdown. Since the incident happened early in the morning when people are sleeping, several people were affected.

Many people reported a burning sensation in the eyes, breathing problems, nausea, and rashes on the skin.

Styrene is a colourless gas used in the production of resins and polystyrene. The exposure to this poisonous gas can result in irregular heartbeat and coma. It can also increase the risk of leukemia and lymphoma.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy announced ₹1 crore each as compensation to the kin of those who had been killed in the tragedy.

People who are undergoing treatment on a ventilator would receive ₹10 lakh each. Other victims who are undergoing treatment, but are not on a ventilator would get ₹1 lakh each as compensation.

Victims who have been treated as outpatients would get ₹25,000 each. Families of those who have been affected by the incident in all these five villages will be paid ₹10,000 each.

Those who lost their cattle will be paid full compensation in addition to ₹20,000 each.

Drinking a lot of water is suggested as one of the antidote methods. Efforts are being made to neutralize the gas. The government is airlifting 500 tons of inhibitors to neutralize the chemical substances.

Image by bou_dee from Pixabay  ( Free for commercial use )

Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/photos/gas-leak-gas-carefully-2728097/