Bromine Gas Leakage in Tamil Nadu

Bromine gas leakage from a chemical factory ‘Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Limited’ at SPICOT Industrial Estate, Tamil Nadu has lead to the hospitalization of more than 120 people. Fire broke out at the stores of the factory where chemical bromine and hydrochloric acid had been stocked, leading to poisonous fumes emanating from the unit on Monday night. Fire brigade personnel neutralized the gas using carbonated water. Following the gas leakage, residents of neighboring villages Kudikadu, Eechangadu and Nochikadu complained of vomiting, irritation of eyes and skin, while some even fainted. None of the factory workers were affected due to the leakage as the workers use masks inside the factory premises. Those affected due to the gas leakage were shifted to the Cuddalore Government Hospital. A medical camp has also been set up under the joint director of the health services, Dr. Kamalakannan.

As a precautionary measure Collector P. Seetharaman has ordered to evacuate nearly 1,500 people from the villages to marriage halls and schools away from the factory. The Collector visited the factory along with the Superintendent of Police (SP). The Collector said, “Bromine kept in containers leaked as it was stored for a long time and it got mixed with the humid atmosphere.” The Government has sealed the factory. The Collector has ordered an enquiry into the incident which will be conducted by the Divisional Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).


Source-Medindia