Ammonia Leak at Tamil Nadu Plant Kills 7, Injures Many

A major ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, June 21, 2026, has resulted in the deaths of seven female workers and left dozens more hospitalized. The incident occurred at the St. Peters & Paul Seafoods Exports facility located in Kannigaipair, near Periyapalayam in the Thiruvallur district.

Initial reports indicate the leak originated from a measuring valve connected to the factory's ammonia-based refrigeration system. Workers inside the facility began experiencing severe breathing difficulties, dizziness, and nausea, prompting a large-scale evacuation and emergency response. District Collector S. Kavitha confirmed that 67 affected workers were rushed to local medical centers, with 46 admitted to Vels Hospital and 21 to Venkateshwara Hospital.

Despite medical intervention, police confirmed that seven women succumbed to their injuries while undergoing emergency treatment. A senior doctor from one of the treating hospitals stated that the majority of the patients are young women, many of whom required intubation and ventilator support due to severe respiratory distress and critically low blood pressure. Nine of the most critical patients were...