Andhra Pradesh: 8 people succumb to gas leak; over 800 hospitalised

Visakhapatnam: In the latest, at least eight people including a child died after toxic gas had leaked from LG Polymers facility located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, the state government reported. At least 800 people were reportedly admitted to the hospital. 

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The Visakhapatnam gas leak took place at LG Polymers chemical plant around 2.30 am on Thursday. 

Horrific videos and photos surfacing from the nearby villages show scores of people lying unconscious on the roads. Many were seen trying to reach ambulances with unconscious children in their arms.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy received a phone from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the details of the incident and the steps being taken to tide over the crisis were discussed by them. 

Evacuation of people from the vicinity and hospitalisation besides other measures were briefed. Union home ministry and other officials and ministers have been in touch with higher officials of the state who were briefed about the situation.

The state Governor Biswabhusan Haricahndan had also enquired from the chief minister about the details of the gas leak and the measures being taken.

In the afternoon, Naval team with  about 50 breathing sets and associated portable Air Compressor along with 2 Naval ambulances rushed in to assist the SDRF team at villages affected by gas leak near LG Polymers. 

Uttar Pradesh chief minister reacted to the tragic accident and said, "Deeply anguished to hear about the tragic gas leak incident in Visakhapatnam. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones & prayers for well being and speedy recovery for those hospitalised." 

• 8 dead
• 800 hospitalised
• Andhra Pradesh
• gas leak
• visakhapatnam
• vizag
• chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
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