Fatal gas leak in Andhra Pradesh kills 1, eight injured

A toxic gas leak at Tagoor Laboratories Private Limited, a pharmaceutical plant in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in one fatality and 20 hospitalizations on Tuesday. The leak involved hydrogen chloride (HCl), a toxic gas, which reportedly began after a liquid spill at the facility. The workers were exposed to a combination of HCl and chloroform, a volatile chemical commonly used as a solvent. The exposure caused immediate symptoms, prompting urgent medical care for the affected individuals.

District fire officer P. Nageswarao confirmed that one worker died while undergoing treatment. Eleven of the 20 hospitalized workers were reported to be critically ill, while others were receiving medical attention in nearby hospitals. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the site to contain the leak and assess the situation. The plant’s safety measures and the effectiveness of its emergency response are now under investigation by local authorities.

The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Safety and Health Department has begun an inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the toxic gas leak. The investigation will include a review of the plant’s safety protocols and practices, with a focus on the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals. Inspectors are on-site to assess compliance with industrial safety regulations, and further details regarding the incident are expected to be released once the inquiry progresses.

This incident adds to the growing concerns over industrial safety in India, particularly in facilities handling dangerous chemicals. Last week, a gas leak at a fertilizer plant in Maharashtra resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. Both incidents have prompted calls for more stringent safety measures and closer regulatory oversight to prevent similar accidents in the future.