Gas leak at LG Polymers in Vizag kills at least 11, hundreds hospitalised
07 May 2020
At least 11 people, including an 8-year-old child, were killed and 300-400 others were rushed to hospital from villages in the vicinity of LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam after styrene gas from the plant leaked to surrounding areas. N Pradhan, Director General of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), confirmed the toll.
South Korea's LG Chem Ltd, owner of LG Polymers, said a gas leak at its plant in Andhra Pradesh had been brought under control, after an incident on Thursday that police estimate killed 11 people and resulted in hundreds getting affected. "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 in a statement.
The company further said the gas emitted in the leak can cause nausea and dizziness when inhaled. It said it was seeking to ensure casualties received treatment immediately.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on Thursday asked people staying near the chemical plant where a gas leak took place in the wee hours to stay indoors and use a wet cloth to cover their nose and mouth.
At least eight people, including an 8-year-old child, have been killed and over 100 hospitalised due to the gas leak which took place at LG Polymers chemical plant in Gopalapatnam.
"There is (a) gas leakage identified at LG Polymers in Gopalapatnam. Requesting citizens around these locations not to come out of houses for the sake of safety precautions," the GVMC said in a tweet.
"Please use wet cloth as a mask to cover your nose and mouth," it added.
The GVMC said its officials are trying to reduce the impact of the gas leak by spraying water and public address systems are being used to ask people to use masks.
Chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has asked district officials to take every possible step to save lives and bring the situation under control.
South Korean company LG Polymers makes polystyrene and expandable polystyrene, a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products like toys and appliances.
LG Chem took over Hindustan Polymers and renamed it as a LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd (LGPI) in 1997, and the Indian unit posted a revenue of $181.95 million last year. The unit has been in operation since 1961.