7 dead, 60 hospitalized after ammonia gas leak at seafood unit in India

At least seven people were killed and 67 others hospitalized Sunday following an ammonia gas leak at a seafood unit in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, reported Xinhua, quoting officials.

According to officials, the ammonia leak originated from the seafood processing unit and spread across the premises. Workers present at the facility complained of breathing difficulties, while some suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose.

Although the affected workers were rushed to nearby private hospitals for treatment, seven of them, all women, succumbed.

Personnel from the police, disaster management, fire and emergency services, and health were immediately rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations.

A 30-member team equipped with gas detection devices and other specialized rescue gear has been pressed into service to fix the leak.