Ammonia gas leak at Kasimedu ice factory causes eye irritation

A minor ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Kasimedu, Chennai, on Sunday evening caused eye irritation to several people in the vicinity. The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m., did not result in any injuries, according to the Kasimedu police.

Upon receiving information about the chemical leak, officials from the Kasimedu police and emergency personnel from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) immediately rushed to the factory site to manage the situation.

A preliminary inquiry conducted by the police revealed that the incident originated from a machinery malfunction inside the ice factory. This mechanical failure caused liquid ammonia to leak from one of the machines on the premises.

Following the leak, a factory worker noticed the escaping liquid. In an attempt to dispose of the chemical, the worker allegedly emptied the liquid ammonia directly into a sewage drain. This action resulted in the release of ammonia gas into the air, which subsequently caused eye irritation to residents and passersby in the surrounding area.

The Kasimedu police have confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the gas release. They also stated that an active investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the machinery malfunction that initiated the liquid ammonia leak at the factory.

Both the police and the TNFRS personnel worked at the scene to address the chemical release and ensure the safety of the local community in the Kasimedu neighborhood. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities look into the factory's machinery issues.