Vizag Gas Leak Live Updates: 11 killed, Andhra govt announces Rs 1 cr relief for victims' families

At least eight persons, including a child, were reported dead in a major gas leak at the LG Polymers chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, in the early hours of Thursday, May 7. Thousands of villagers were rushed to nearby hospitals in Visakhapatnam after complaining of breathing difficulties, and burning sensation in the eyes.

The gas leak tragedy took place at LG Polymers chemical plant in the RR Venkatapuram village in Andhra Pradesh's Vishakhapatnam around 2.30 am today. People were seen running helter-skelter as over 1,000 people in five surrounding villages, in a three km radius, have been reported sick.

The evacuation process is underway in the nearby villages. Meanwhile, horrific visuals surfacing on Twitter and Facebook show scores of people lying unconscious on the roads. Many were seen trying to reach ambulances with the unconscious children in their arms.

Follow the LIVE BLOG of ibtimes.co.in to get the latest updates on the Vizag gas leak.

Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy meets LG plant management at the airport lounge to seek an explanation for the chemical leak. Reddy has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore each to be given to the families of the deceased in the Vizag gas leakage incident. Ex gratia of Rs 10 lakhs to be given to those on ventilator, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy said.

Around 7 workers of a Paper Mill have been hospitalised after being exposed to a gas leak reportedly while cleaning a tank in the mill, three of them are in critical condition, Raigarh Superintendent of Police, Chhattisgarh said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy has reached Vizag.

Taking to Twitter, the Andhra Pradesh Police confirmed, "Reports of a second leak at LG Polymers premises are false. Maintenance team was repairing the system and some vapour was let out. There is NO second leak."

An initial investigation revealed a gas valve malfunction led to the valve bursting and causing the massive gas leak that has left at least 13 dead.

According to reports, the gas leak occurred in two 5,000 tonne tanks, which were left unattended since March 24, when the country went into a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus. "This led to a polymer reaction, and the heat was produced inside the tanks, which caused leakage," a senior police official told International Business Times, India. READ FULL REPORT HERE

Director-General of NDRF, Satya Narayan Pradhan said that the source of the Vizag gas leak in the private plant at Gopalpatnam in Visakhapatnam district has been plugged. He said that NDRF has been able to rescue people out of the affected area.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy leaves for Visakhapatnam. He will be visiting King George Hospital where the affected persons due to the Vizag gas leak are being treated.

"The incident in Vizag is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam," tweets Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The gas has been neutralised now. One of the antidotes is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. The investigation will be carried out to see how this happened: Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang said.

Around 27 persons are involved in the relief and rescue operation being conducted by the NDRF team, who are experts in dealing with industrial leakage. 80 to 90 percent evacuation is completed as of now, NDRF DG confirmed.

Speaking on the Vizag gas leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "I'm shocked to hear about the Vizag Gas Leak tragedy." Gandhi urged Congress workers and leaders in the area to provide all necessary support and assistance to those affected. "My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery," tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

"ENC team of the Indian Navy with about 50 Breathing Sets and associated portable Air Compressor along with 2 Naval ambulances are assisting the SDRF team at villages affected by gas leak near LG Polymers, Visakhapatnam," tweeted Defence PRO Vishakhapatnam.

PM Modi called for a meeting of the NDMA, in wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also present.

Special chemical accident team continues search and evacuation work assisting local people and admin on site.

Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth took to Twitter to offer condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. "Disturbing to hear about the Vizag Gas Leak. Hope affected people recover soon and my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Stay safe Vizag!," read Srikanth's tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter saying that he spoke to officials of the MHA and the NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam. PM Modi said that the situation is being monitored closely. "I pray for everyone's safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam," read Modi's tweet.

• Gas has been neutralised
• Villages evacuated
• 8 dead
• Over 1,000 sick
• Hundreds in hospital
• NDMA meeting underway