It is truly a testing time for the world as the deadly Corona virus continues to claim lives in 1000s. With the number of cases increasing India, here is another manmade disaster that is claiming the well-being and lives of people. Reportedly, post lockdown, a Vizag factory LG Polymers was trying to open up when the incident occurred. This gas leak that has spread across the 4 km radius around the factory, has claimed the lives of 10 people including two children. Two deaths from these numbers were as a result of trying to escape the gas leak and meeting with an accident. One of them fell into a well and drowned trying to escape.
Over 800 people have now been hospitalised and 5000 people have complained of falling sick. 15 children are under critical conditions and battling for their lives. The Government has requested its citizens to use wet masks as a precautionary measure. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has advised people living around the industry to move to safer locations.
Image courtesy: The News Minute
People living within a 3-km radius are being evacuated in APSRTC buses and any government vehicles available, and being taken to Naiduthota, an official from the office of the Visakhapatnam District Collector said.
“Once the gas leak is controlled, they can go back to their homes. It is unclear how long this will take,” he added.
However, the gas could cause severe harm when inhaled in large quantities, posing a threat to those who reside closest to the plant.
The factory is run by South Korean electronics giant LG. The company was originally Hindusthan Polymers, which was launched in 1961. It was taken over by LG in 1997 and renamed to LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd.
Image Courtesy: The News Minute
The owner of LG Polymers, LG Chem has now issued a statement stating, “We are currently assessing the extent of the damage on residents in the town and are taking all necessary measures to protect residents and employees in collaboration with related organizations.” LG Chem said that the gas emitted in the leak can cause nausea and dizziness when inhaled.
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is currently visiting the area whereas former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is said to reach the location at around 1:30 PM today to analyse the situation.
While in a News Minute Exclusive, victims shared their experience of what they went through as the gas entered their lungs: